President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect communities from criminal activities within forests and remote areas.
The approval was announced on Saturday amid growing concerns over insecurity and recent incidents of kidnapping in parts of the state. The recruitment exercise is expected to enhance surveillance across forest reserves, improve intelligence gathering, and support security agencies in combating criminal elements operating in the region.
In a related development, President Tinubu has directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The President’s directive follows reports of the abduction, which has sparked anxiety among residents, parents, and education stakeholders. He assured that the Federal Government would deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Security agencies have reportedly been placed on high alert, with coordinated operations underway to track the kidnappers and rescue those held captive. The specialised unit is expected to work closely with military personnel, intelligence operatives, and local security outfits in the ongoing operation.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority. He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist rescue efforts and prevent future attacks.
The recruitment of forest guards is part of broader measures by the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture, particularly in rural communities and forested areas often exploited by criminal gangs and kidnappers.
Authorities have expressed optimism that the combined strategy of enhanced forest security and targeted rescue operations will improve safety in Oyo State and contribute to the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
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