President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured abducted schoolchildren and their families that the Federal Government will not relent in efforts to secure their freedom, declaring that the victims of kidnapping across the country “are not forgotten” and “not abandoned.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, President Tinubu said the government would intensify intelligence-driven rescue operations and strengthen security measures around schools, especially in vulnerable communities.
The statement was made available by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu, while celebrating Nigerian children for their resilience, creativity and determination, expressed deep concern over the plight of schoolchildren and teachers currently held captive by criminals in parts of Oyo and Borno states.
“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 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.’”
Addressing the abducted children directly, Tinubu declared: “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 also reassured grieving families that the government would pursue justice against those behind the abductions.
“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony. 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,” he stated.
Tinubu revealed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations nationwide.
“I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children,” he added.
The President further ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas, including improved school vulnerability mapping, stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems, and community-based early warning mechanisms.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education would work with state governments to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also stressed the need for proper rehabilitation and reintegration of children rescued from captivity, noting that recovery efforts must go beyond securing their release.
“Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty. A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he said.
Calling for collective responsibility in protecting children, Tinubu urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to support security efforts through timely sharing of information.
“When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” the President stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Nigeria where every child can learn and grow in safety, with access to education, healthcare, nutrition and opportunities.
“To our children, you matter—your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters. Be assured that your future matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it,” the President added.
