By As the world celebrate 2026 Children’s Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured families of abducted children and teachers across Nigeria that the Federal Government will intensify efforts to secure their safe return..
The President made this known in a statehouse statement issued on Wednesday, May 27 to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration. Tinubu expressed concern over the plight of children and teachers currently held captive in Oyo and Borno states, noting that many families could not fully celebrate because of the painful situation.
The President said the coincidence of Children’s Day with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration made the situation even more emotional for affected families.
He assured the abducted children, their teachers and relatives that the government remained committed to their rescue
“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. 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.’
“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,” he said.
The President assured the abducted children, their teachers and relatives that the government remained committed to their rescue.
Tinubu revealed that he had directed security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations across the country, particularly in cases involving abducted children and other vulnerable citizens.
According to him, the operations would be intelligence-led and carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of victims. The President also ordered the strengthening of security measures around schools in high-risk areas.
“I have also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas. This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems,” he added.
He further directed the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework to improve emergency response and child protection measures.
Tinubu stated that the government would also provide medical care, counselling, education and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction and violence.
The President called on parents, community leaders, religious bodies, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children and preventing attacks on schools and communities.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child can learn and grow in safety without fear.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as similar incidents in parts of northern Nigeria.
