Oyo Abduction; President Tinubu approves recruitment of 1000 Forest Guards orders special security operations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised security team to strengthen efforts aimed at rescuing pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The President also indicated his willingness to consider requests from residents for the establishment of a military base in the area as part of broader measures to tackle insecurity and prevent future attacks.

The assurances were delivered on Sunday by a high-level Federal Government delegation that visited Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.

Leading the delegation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of all those still in captivity.

According to the delegation, the newly approved forest guards will be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government to enhance security surveillance across forest areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.

The delegation also assured residents that their request for a military installation in the affected communities would be presented to President Tinubu for consideration.

As part of the response to the abductions, the President has ordered a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations aimed at bringing the victims home safely.

The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing community members in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the presence of the nation’s top security officials reflected the seriousness with which the administration was handling the incident.

“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” he said.

He further sought to reassure worried parents and residents that the government understood their fears and remained focused on securing the victims’ freedom.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added.

Responding to appeals for caution from members of the affected communities, Gbajabiamila stressed that rescue operations would be carefully planned and intelligence-driven.

“Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he said.

During the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the traditional ruler and residents over the tragedy.

The team also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, whose husband, a school teacher, was killed during the attack. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the Federal Government’s support in the aftermath of the loss.

After Atiku another Presidential Candidate emerges in ADC

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, has announced businessman Prof. Chris Uba as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made on Sunday in Abuja during the presentation of party flags to 29 governorship candidates drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The development comes days after another wing of the ADC conducted a nationwide primary election in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, defeating former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Speaking at the event, Bala explained that the faction had zoned its presidential ticket to the Southern region in line with principles of equity, inclusiveness, fairness and federal character.

According to him, three aspirants had initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the presidential contest.

“They were Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba,” he said.

Bala stated that the faction opted for a consensus arrangement as permitted under the Electoral Act, which eventually produced Uba as the sole candidate after the withdrawal of the other contenders.

“In adherence to the principle of federal character and in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognizes consensus as a lawful mode for the selection or nomination of candidates by political parties, the African Democratic Congress adopted consensus as the method for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primary election.

“Pursuant to this provision and in the interest of party unity, two of the party’s presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the contest and endorsed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party’s sole presidential candidate.

“Consequently, Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent ADC as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections,” he added.

IGP Tunji Disu cautions against indiscriminate recording, circulation of officers’ videos

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olatunji Disu, has cautioned against the growing trend of indiscriminate recording and circulation of videos of police officers on routine and sensitive duties.

A statement by the Chairman, Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Mr Festus Fifen on Sunday in Abuja said the I-G gave the warning during an interactive session with members of the association.

Disu warned that the misuse of such video materials could undermine officers’ morale, distort public perception, and negatively affect ongoing security operations across the country.

“While reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights, it is important to balance public scrutiny.

“Public scrutiny must be balanced with operational realities and the welfare of officers working under difficult and high-risk conditions.

“Police personnel who have continued to make enormous sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities deserve public understanding and support,” he said.

While noting that accountability is important, Disu said the force remains committed to it, but recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly.

The I-G said such recordings should not be used to harass officers or undermine their operational effectiveness.

“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety.

“It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he said.

The I-G also expressed concern over the circulation of old and misleading videos, presenting them as recent incidents.

He said such videos could contribute to misinformation, create public panic, and unnecessary tension within communities.

“We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security.

“Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said.

He said policing in Nigeria had become increasingly demanding, with officers now working extended hours under severe operational pressures.

Disu said the Nigeria Police Force no longer operates the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts, adding that officers work virtually round the clock under very difficult circumstances.

He said the Police Command in the FCT lost about 140 officers in one year through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents.

The I-G said many officers continued to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and even their lives to ensure citizens live and work peacefully.

Disu also pledged to sustain the force’s zero-tolerance stance against impunity.

He assured Nigerians that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face disciplinary measures in line with established laws and professional standards.

“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel, professionally and decisively.

“At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he said.

The I-G pledged to sustain the engagement between the police and the media to strengthen transparency, public trust, and effective communication on security matters. (NAN)