Tinubu Vows Intensified Rescue Efforts for Abducted Pupils on Children’s Day

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to prioritise the protection of children as he marked Children’s Day on Wednesday, pledging sustained and intensified security operations to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in parts of the country.

In a statement personally signed to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tinubu said the theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” highlights the urgent need to safeguard every child’s right to safety, education and dignity.

“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 stated. “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.”

Tinubu revealed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to “sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations” for abducted children and vulnerable citizens across the country.

According to him, the operations must remain intelligence-driven, carefully executed and focused on ensuring the safe return of victims.

The President also ordered stronger school protection measures in high-risk areas, including updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid-response communication between schools and local security units, as well as enhanced community-based early warning systems.

He further called for deeper implementation of the Safe Schools framework by the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments, stressing the need for “clear reporting, clear responsibility and clear timelines” to ensure schools in vulnerable communities are prepared to respond to threats.

Tinubu added that the government would increase support for children affected by abduction, violence or displacement, with reintegration, medical care, counselling and continued education forming a key part of post-rescue efforts.

“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.

The President also urged communities to take collective responsibility for protecting children, calling on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media to remain vigilant.

“When a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk,” he warned.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child can “learn safely, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity and dream without fear,” citing ongoing investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital skills and safer communities.