President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country, insisting that efforts must remain intelligence-led and focused on the safe recovery of victims.
The President also ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas through updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, as well as stronger community-based early warning systems.
President Tinubu gave the directives in his 2026 Children’s Day message, where he expressed concern over the plight of children and teachers currently in captivity in parts of Oyo and Borno States.
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The Nigerian leader said that while many families were celebrating Children’s Day and Eid al-Adha, some parents remained gripped by anguish over the abduction of their children.
President Tinubu assured grieving families that his administration would continue working until abducted children are safely returned and perpetrators brought to justice.
“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
“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 assured citizens.
The President also directed the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear reporting structures, responsibilities and timelines for schools in vulnerable areas.
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He stressed that every school located in a high-risk environment must understand emergency response procedures and maintain effective communication with security authorities.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” President Tinubu described Nigerian children as the pride of the nation and custodians of its future.
The President further pledged improved rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement, noting that government responsibility extends beyond rescue operations to ensuring proper care, counselling, education and dignity for affected children.
President Tinubu also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children and strengthening community-based security vigilance across the country.
“Let me also state that protecting children cannot be left solely to the government. Parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media all have a role to play. When a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk. When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved.
“This is why we will continue to strengthen the link between communities and security agencies. The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred.” The Nigerian Leader explained.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital skills and safer communities to guarantee that every Nigerian child can grow, learn and dream without fear.
“My administration remains committed to a Nigeria where every child can learn safely, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity and dream without fear. We are investing in education, health care, nutrition, social protection, digital skills and safer communities because childhood must not be a privilege reserved for a few. It is the right of every Nigerian child.” He emphasised.
The President therefore, reaffirmed that every Nigerian child matters to the nation, assuring that his administration would continue to safeguard their dreams, education, safety and future through sustained investments and policies aimed at protecting and empowering children across the country.
