Tinubu Assures Rescue of Abducted Children, Strengthens School Safety Measures on Children’s Day
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that children abducted across the country, including those in captivity in Oyo and Borno states, have not been forgotten, pledging intensified rescue efforts and stronger protection for schools in vulnerable communities.
In a statement marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, which coincided with Eid-el-Kabir festivities, the President celebrated Nigerian children for their resilience, creativity and determination despite prevailing challenges.
Tinubu said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflected the need to provide equal opportunities and protection for every child across the country.
The President, however, expressed concern over children and teachers currently held captive by criminal groups, noting that many families could not fully celebrate because their focus remained on the safe return of their loved ones.
“To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” he stated.
Tinubu disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated and intelligence-led rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of abducted children and other vulnerable citizens.
He also announced measures to strengthen school security in high-risk areas, including updated school vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems, and stronger community-based early warning mechanisms.
According to the President, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, has been instructed to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure schools in vulnerable areas are adequately prepared against attacks.
Tinubu further said his administration would improve support systems for children affected by abduction, violence and displacement through counselling, medical care, education and reintegration programmes.
He stressed that the responsibility of protecting children should not rest solely on government, urging parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media to support efforts aimed at safeguarding children.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection and safer communities.
“Your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters,” Tinubu told Nigerian children, assuring them that the government would continue to safeguard their future.
