Tinubu Orders Special Rescue Operation, Considers Military Base Amid Rising Concerns Over Rural School Security
By Aderonke Unigbe / June 1, 2026
OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE – The Federal Government has unveiled a fresh security intervention package for Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and deploying a specialised rescue team to intensify efforts aimed at securing the victims’ release.
The announcement came as a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited affected communities and grieving families in Ogbomoso to convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ending the crisis and strengthening security across vulnerable rural communities.
The delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, and Presidential Media Adviser Sunday Dare.
The visit followed the May 15 abduction of 45 pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, an incident that has triggered national outrage and renewed concerns over the growing insecurity facing schools in rural Nigeria.
FG Launches New Security Strategy for Oyo Forest Communities
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government as part of a broader security architecture designed to prevent criminal elements from exploiting forests as operational bases.
According to the presidency, the initiative forms part of a larger strategy to reclaim forest territories increasingly used by kidnappers and armed gangs across the country.
The forest guards are expected to complement conventional security agencies by providing intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities within difficult terrains that are often inaccessible to regular security formations.
Government officials also disclosed that requests by community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area would be formally presented to the President for consideration.
Security analysts say the proposal could significantly improve response times and enhance military presence in a region increasingly vulnerable to criminal incursions.
Tinubu Orders Intelligence-Led Rescue Mission
Beyond the deployment of forest guards, President Tinubu has directed a specialised rescue unit equipped with advanced operational and intelligence capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
Addressing residents during the visit, Gbajabiamila stressed that the President remained deeply disturbed by the incident and had instructed security agencies to spare no effort in rescuing the victims.
He assured anxious families that the operation would rely heavily on intelligence gathering and strategic planning rather than reckless force.
According to him, the government had taken note of videos allegedly showing some captives appealing against military action and would ensure that every rescue effort prioritises the safety of those being held.
He further reassured families that all available national security assets had been mobilised toward achieving a successful outcome.
Kidnappers Targeting Children Signals Dangerous Shift — Ribadu
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu described the abduction of schoolchildren and infants as an alarming development in Nigeria’s security landscape.
He warned that criminal groups appear to be adopting new tactics designed to exert greater psychological pressure on communities and government authorities.
Ribadu, however, maintained that the security agencies possess the capacity to overcome the challenge and pledged that the Federal Government would continue strengthening preventive measures across vulnerable regions.
He confirmed that forest guards would be strategically deployed around schools and rural settlements to improve surveillance and deter future attacks.
The NSA also emphasised the importance of community intelligence in combating kidnapping networks operating within remote areas.
Defence Minister Calls for Community Cooperation
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa appealed to residents to cooperate closely with security operatives deployed to the area.
He revealed that security agencies were employing technological monitoring systems to track activities within Oriire Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
Musa urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar visitors, and unusual activities capable of aiding rescue operations.
According to him, successful counter-kidnapping operations increasingly depend on timely intelligence supplied by local populations.
Security experts have repeatedly argued that effective community policing remains one of the strongest tools against rural banditry and kidnapping.
Delegation Meets Traditional Rulers, Families of Victims
As part of the visit, the Federal Government delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.
The officials also met with relatives of the abducted victims and visited the family of the late teacher, Mary Oyedokun, who reportedly lost her life during the ordeal.
The emotional meetings provided government officials firsthand insight into the anguish and uncertainty confronting affected families.
Several relatives appealed for urgent intervention, expressing fears over the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers.
The Federal Government promised trauma counselling and psychological support services for affected families once the victims are rescued.
Growing Public Anger Over Delayed Rescue
More than two weeks after the abduction, frustration continues to mount among residents, teachers, and civil society organisations.
The prolonged captivity of many victims has sparked protests across Ogbomoso and intensified calls for stronger protection of educational institutions.
Last week, teachers suspended academic activities and staged a peaceful demonstration to demand immediate government action.
Protesters marched to the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), carrying placards and demanding enhanced security measures around schools.
Education stakeholders argue that recurring attacks on schools threaten educational development and could discourage parents from sending children to school in rural communities.
Makinde Rejects Blame Game, Pushes Unified Rescue Effort
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also intensified engagements with security agencies since the abduction occurred.
During a visit to Ogbomoso, the governor urged residents to avoid politicising the crisis or assigning blame between federal and state authorities.
Makinde stated that his administration has been holding daily security briefings and working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
He expressed sympathy for affected families and described the kidnapping of underage children as one of the most disturbing incidents witnessed in the state’s recent history.
The governor also praised members of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, for their sacrifices in combating insecurity across Oyo State.
Security Questions Beyond Oyo
The Oyo school abduction has once again exposed persistent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s rural security framework despite years of policy interventions aimed at safeguarding schools.
Experts note that while the Safe Schools Initiative and various security reforms have yielded some results, many remote educational institutions remain inadequately protected.
The latest attack raises critical questions about intelligence gathering, forest governance, rural policing, and the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Observers argue that the success of the newly approved forest guard programme may ultimately depend on proper recruitment, training, funding, and coordination with conventional security agencies.
As rescue operations continue, the fate of dozens of abducted pupils and teachers remains uncertain, keeping families and communities trapped between hope and despair.
The Federal Government’s approval of 1,000 forest guards and deployment of specialised rescue assets signals a more aggressive response to the growing threat posed by kidnappers operating within Nigeria’s rural corridors.
However, beyond the immediate rescue effort, the tragedy has reignited a national conversation about school safety, intelligence-driven security, and the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens—its children.
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