Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured families of abducted children across Nigeria that the Federal Government will not relent in efforts to secure their release, declaring that no Nigerian child in captivity has been forgotten.
In a statement marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, Tinubu expressed solidarity with children and teachers currently held captive by criminal groups in parts of Oyo and Borno states.
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The President said while many children across the country were celebrating the day with their families, others remained trapped in fear due to abduction and insecurity.
“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 stated.
The President disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens nationwide.
According to him, the operations must be intelligence-driven, carefully executed and focused on ensuring the safe return of victims.
Tinubu also ordered the strengthening of security measures around schools in high-risk areas, including updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and stronger community-based intelligence networks.
He directed the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework to enhance emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities.
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The President said every school located in a high-risk environment must have clear security protocols, communication channels and evacuation procedures in place.
Tinubu further stated that the government would improve rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement.
According to him, rescued children must have access to medical care, counselling, education and proper social reintegration rather than temporary assistance.
The President stressed that the protection of children should not be left to government alone, calling on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to actively support efforts aimed at preventing attacks on schools and communities.
He noted that timely sharing of intelligence and vigilance at the community level could help prevent future abductions and attacks.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills and social protection for children across the country.
He added that every Nigerian child deserves the right to grow, learn and dream in safety regardless of background or circumstance.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
