President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states that they have not been forgotten, pledging that his administration will intensify efforts to secure their safe return from captivity.
The President gave the assurance in a personally signed statement dated May 27, 2026, to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration amid growing concerns over attacks on schools in parts of the country.
Tinubu acknowledged the pain and anxiety of affected families, especially as the Children’s Day celebration coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
“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,’” the President 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,” he added.
The President said he had directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country.
According to him, the rescue operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed, and focused on ensuring the safe recovery of victims.
Tinubu also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas through improved school vulnerability mapping, stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and community-based early warning mechanisms.
The President noted that the theme for this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflects the country’s responsibility toward protecting and empowering children.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, safety and opportunities for a better future.
Tinubu further stated that children rescued from abduction and violence must receive proper care, counselling, education and reintegration support.
He also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children and preventing attacks on schools.
The President stressed that stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies remains vital in preventing future attacks and safeguarding children across the country.
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