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President Tinubu promised intensified rescue operations and stronger protection measures for schools in vulnerable communities across the country.
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian children abducted in parts of the country, particularly in Oyo and Borno states, that they have not been forgotten nor abandoned by the government.President Tinubu promised intensified rescue operations and stronger protection measures for schools in vulnerable communities across the country.
In his statement released on Wednesday, May 27, to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, President Tinubu addressed the plight of children and teachers currently being held captive by terrorists and bandits, saying that the government would continue working until all abducted victims are safely returned.
Tinubu’s statement came amid growing concerns over insecurity and repeated attacks on schools and communities across Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President acknowledged that while many Nigerian children were celebrating Children’s Day and the Eid-el-Kabir season with their families, others remained trapped in captivity.
“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,” he said.
“Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.’”
Tinubu vowed that his administration would not reduce the suffering of affected families to mere public ceremonies or symbolic gestures.
“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony,” he said.
“We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice.”
The President disclosed that he had directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven rescue missions across the country.
“I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country,” Tinubu said.
“These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.”
Tinubu also announced fresh directives aimed at improving school security in areas considered high-risk for attacks and abductions.
According to him, the measures would include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and stronger community-based intelligence networks.
“The Federal Ministry of Education, working with state governments, is to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear reporting, clear responsibility and clear timelines,” he added.
“Every school in a vulnerable area must know who to call, what to do, where to move, and how to protect children when danger is identified.”
The President further said his government would provide rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction and violent attacks.
“Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty,” Tinubu stated. “A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity.”
He stressed that protecting children should not be left to the government alone, calling on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, vigilantes and the media to play active roles in safeguarding schools and communities.
“When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection and safer communities, insisting that every Nigerian child deserves protection and equal opportunity.
“To our children, you matter—your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters,” he said.
“Be assured that your future matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it.”
SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS
