President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted children and teachers across the country, declaring that no child in captivity has been forgotten.
In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President described Nigerian children as the “pride of the Republic” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting their future through improved education, healthcare, security and social welfare.
Tinubu noted that this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” highlights the urgent need to provide equal opportunities and protection for all children across the country.
The President, however, expressed concern that while many families were celebrating, some children and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states remained in captivity.
“As a father and your President, you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” Tinubu stated, addressing the affected children, teachers and their families.
He assured grieving parents that the Federal Government would continue working until all abducted children were safely returned and those responsible brought to justice.
According to the statement, Tinubu directed all relevant security agencies to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations targeted at recovering abducted children and other vulnerable citizens nationwide.
The President also ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas, including improved vulnerability mapping, closer collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems for schools and enhanced community-based early warning mechanisms.
He further directed the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure schools in vulnerable communities have clear emergency procedures and reporting structures.
