Children’s Day: Tinubu Vows to Bring Home Abducted Children, Tightens School Security Nationwide

 By Kehinde Awosina 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government will not relent in efforts to secure the release of abducted children and teachers currently held captive in parts of the country, declaring that every Nigerian child deserves protection, care and a hopeful future.

In a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President paid tribute to Nigerian children across different walks of life, including those excelling academically, learning vocational skills, living with disabilities, and those facing difficult circumstances but remaining resilient.

The President described children as “the pride of the Republic” and the custodians of Nigeria’s future, stressing that the country’s progress depends largely on the opportunities created for the younger generation.

Reflecting on the theme of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu noted that the future of the nation is already taking shape through the lives and experiences of Nigerian children.

The President, however, expressed concern over the plight of children and teachers abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno States, lamenting that while many families were celebrating Children’s Day and Eid-el-Kabir, some parents remained in anguish over the disappearance of their loved ones.

Addressing the abducted children and their families directly, Tinubu assured them that they had not been forgotten, promising that the government would continue working tirelessly until they are safely reunited with their families.

He disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated and intelligence-driven rescue operations aimed at securing the release of abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country.

According to the President, the Federal Government is also strengthening security around schools, especially in high-risk areas, through updated vulnerability assessments, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems, and stronger community-based intelligence networks.

Tinubu further directed the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework, ensuring that schools in vulnerable communities are equipped with proper emergency procedures and communication channels during security threats.

The President also emphasized the need for proper rehabilitation and reintegration for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement, stating that government support must extend beyond rescue operations to include counselling, healthcare, education and emotional recovery.

He called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, vigilantes, transport unions and the media to join hands with government in safeguarding children, warning that silence in the face of suspicious activities around schools could endanger lives.

Tinubu maintained that protecting Nigerian children is a collective responsibility and urged citizens to share information promptly and responsibly to help prevent further attacks and abductions.