Children’s Day: Tinubu Vows Safe Return of Abducted Pupils, Orders Stronger School Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that children abducted in parts of the country will not be forgotten, pledging intensified rescue efforts and stronger security measures to protect schools nationwide.

In a statement issued to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President said the Federal Government would continue to pursue intelligence-led operations aimed at securing the safe return of children and teachers currently held captive by criminal groups in parts of Oyo and Borno states.

Tinubu, who described Nigerian children as “the pride of the Republic,” said the government remained committed to safeguarding their future through investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, and safer communities.

“As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals,” the President stated.

“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.”

The President said he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations across the country, particularly for abducted children and vulnerable citizens.

According to him, the operations must remain intelligence-driven, carefully executed, and focused on ensuring the safe recovery of victims.

Tinubu also ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas, including updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, and the establishment of rapid-response communication systems between schools and local security units.

He further directed the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework.

The President said every school in vulnerable communities must have clear emergency procedures and reporting channels to respond swiftly when threats emerge.

“We will also improve support for children who have survived abduction, violence and displacement. Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty,” he said.

“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity.”

Tinubu stressed that child protection should not be left to government alone, calling on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, vigilantes, transport unions, and the media to support efforts aimed at safeguarding children.

“When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” he added.

The President noted that the theme of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflects the urgent need to guarantee equal opportunities and safety for all children regardless of their background or condition.

He also paid tribute to children living with disabilities, children learning trades, and those facing difficult circumstances but continuing to persevere with hope.

“To our children, you matter your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters,” Tinubu said.

“Be assured that your future matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it.”