ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is intensifying efforts to rescue abducted children across the country, strengthen school security, and provide proper care and rehabilitation for victims rescued from captivity.
The President gave the assurance in his message marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, where he addressed children still being held captive as well as grieving parents and teachers in states including Oyo and Borno.
Speaking directly to those affected by kidnappings, Tinubu declared: “As a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”
He admitted that many families could not fully participate in the celebration because of the pain caused by abductions and insecurity.
“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,’” he said.
Using the Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” the President described the crisis as both a serious security challenge and a moral burden on the nation.
He promised that the Federal Government would continue working until all abducted children are safely reunited with their families and those responsible are brought to justice.
“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.
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Tinubu said he had directed security agencies to sustain and intensify intelligence-driven rescue missions focused on safely recovering kidnapped children.
He also ordered urgent upgrades to school protection measures in vulnerable communities, including fresh vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security agencies, improved emergency response systems, and stronger community-based early warning structures.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education, alongside state governments, has been tasked with strengthening the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear responsibilities and timelines.
“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 said.
Tinubu stressed that rescuing children from kidnappers is only the first stage, noting that survivors also deserve medical care, counselling, education, rehabilitation, and dignity.
“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he said, while directing ministries and agencies to ensure returning victims receive proper reintegration support rather than temporary attention.
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The President further emphasized that protecting children should not be left to government alone, saying parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes, community leaders, and the media all have important roles to play in preventing abductions and responding quickly to threats.
“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,” he warned.
Reaffirming his administration’s broader commitment to children’s welfare, Tinubu said the government would continue investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills, social protection, and safer communities.
“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,” he added.
He concluded his message with reassurance to Nigerian children, saying: “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.”