FG Assures Nigerians of Safe Return of Abducted Children
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will intensify efforts to rescue abducted children and strengthen security around schools across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, President Tinubu expressed solidarity with children currently in captivity in parts of Oyo and Borno States, describing their plight as painful and unacceptable.
The President said while millions of Nigerian children celebrated Children’s Day and Eid-el-Kabir with their families, some children and teachers remained in the custody of criminal elements.
“As a father and your President, you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” Tinubu stated, addressing the abducted children, their teachers and families.
He directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country.
According to the President, the operations must be intelligence-driven and carefully executed to prioritise the safety of victims.
Tinubu also announced new measures to strengthen school protection in high-risk areas, including updated vulnerability mapping of schools, closer collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems, and stronger community-based early warning structures.
He directed the Federal Ministry of Education to work with state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework nationwide.
“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,” he said.
The President further pledged improved rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement, stressing that government responsibility does not end with rescue operations.
“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he added.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu said the future of Nigeria depends on the opportunities provided for children today.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills, social protection and safer communities to ensure every Nigerian child can grow and thrive without fear.
The President also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children from insecurity.
“Protecting children cannot be left solely to the government,” Tinubu stated.
He concluded by assuring Nigerian children that their dreams, safety and future remain a priority for his administration.