By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured abducted children and their families that the Federal Government remains committed to securing their safe return, declaring that no Nigerian child in captivity has been forgotten.
In his 2026 Children’s Day message, the President celebrated Nigerian children across different backgrounds and circumstances, describing them as the hope and future of the nation.
“I celebrate every Nigerian child. I celebrate the child who is excelling in school. I celebrate the child who is learning a trade. I celebrate the child living with disability and still pressing forward with courage,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that this year’s theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflects the urgent need to protect and empower children irrespective of their social or economic status.
“The future is not a distant promise; it is already here,” he stated.
Tinubu, however, expressed concern that while many children were celebrating across the country, some pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State and Borno State remained in captivity.
“As we mark this special day… some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals,” he said.
“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 assured grieving families that the government would continue to intensify rescue efforts and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“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.”
Tinubu disclosed that he had directed security agencies to sustain coordinated rescue operations nationwide with emphasis on intelligence-driven missions and safe recovery of victims.
“These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children,” he said.
He also announced plans to strengthen school protection measures in vulnerable communities through improved coordination between schools, local authorities and security agencies.
“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.”
According to the President, the Federal Ministry of Education has been directed to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure schools in high-risk areas are adequately prepared for emergencies.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu further stressed the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction and violence.
“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” the President said.
He called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children and preventing attacks on schools.
“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to children’s welfare, Tinubu said the government would continue investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills and social protection.
“Childhood must not be a privilege reserved for a few. It is the right of every Nigerian child,” he said.
“To our children, you matter. Your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your future matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it.”
