According to a report by Vanguard on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is intensifying efforts to rescue abducted children across the country while strengthening security measures to protect schools from further attacks.
The President gave the assurance in his message to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, where he addressed children in captivity, their families, and communities affected by abductions and insecurity.
He stated that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all abducted children and has directed security agencies to sustain coordinated rescue operations across affected states.
Tinubu specifically assured children still being held captive that they have not been abandoned by the government and that every effort is being made to secure their freedom.
He stressed that the pain of parents and families whose children remain in captivity is deeply felt by the administration, adding that government actions would go beyond symbolic statements.
The President said his administration would continue pursuing kidnappers and ensuring that those responsible for abducting children are brought to justice.
As part of efforts to strengthen school safety, he directed urgent improvements in security infrastructure around vulnerable schools, including better coordination between security agencies, state governments, and local communities.
He also ordered the Federal Ministry of Education to intensify implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure clear response procedures are in place for schools in high-risk areas.
Tinubu emphasised that rescue operations alone are not enough, noting that children rescued from captivity must receive proper medical care, psychological support, educational reintegration, and dignity.
He further stated that ministries and relevant agencies have been instructed to ensure that recovered children are properly rehabilitated and supported for full reintegration into society.
The President noted that the responsibility of protecting children extends beyond government institutions and requires active participation from parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to creating a safer future for Nigerian children through investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills, and stronger social protection systems.
