By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, unveiled fresh security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities across the country, while declaring an intensified crackdown on criminal groups behind the abduction of children and teachers.
In a Children’s Day statement issued to mark the 2026 celebration, Tinubu said his administration would sustain aggressive intelligence-led rescue operations to secure the freedom of abducted children still being held captive in parts of Oyo and Borno states.
The President’s message came against the backdrop of growing concerns over recurring kidnappings targeting schools and rural communities, a development that cast a sombre shadow over this year’s Children’s Day celebration, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
Recall that gunmen had invaded the Esiele community and abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar school, Baptist Nursery and Primary school as well as L.A. Primary school in Oyo State, sparking outrage and fear across the state.This, in addition to other attacks on schools across the northern part of the country, where children had been abducted.
While celebrating Nigerian children for their resilience, creativity and determination, Tinubu acknowledged the pain of families whose children remain in captivity.
“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 stated.
Addressing the victims and their families directly, Tinubu assured them that the government had not abandoned them.
“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 declared.
The President disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated operations focused on rescuing abducted children and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks on communities.
According to him, the operations must remain intelligence-driven and professionally coordinated to guarantee the safe recovery of victims.
Tinubu also announced the strengthening of school protection mechanisms in high-risk areas across the country.
He said the new measures would include updated mapping of vulnerable schools, improved coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid emergency response channels linking schools to security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems.
The President further directed the Federal Ministry of Education, working alongside state governments, to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework nationwide.
He said schools in vulnerable communities must now have clearly defined emergency procedures, designated security contacts and evacuation protocols capable of responding swiftly to threats.
Tinubu stressed that government responsibility does not end with rescuing abducted children, noting that survivors must also receive proper rehabilitation and reintegration support.
“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 called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, vigilantes, transport unions and the media to play active roles in safeguarding children and reporting suspicious activities around schools and communities.
According to him, silence and delayed reporting often embolden criminal elements and increase risks to children.
“This is why we will continue to strengthen the link between communities and security agencies. The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred”, he added.
Speaking on the 2026 Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child”, Tinubu said the future of Nigeria depended on the quality of opportunities and protection provided for children today.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital skills development and safer communities to guarantee a better future for Nigerian children.
“My administration remains committed to a Nigeria where every child can learn safely, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity and dream without fear”, the President stated.
He assured Nigerian children that their safety, education and aspirations remained central to the priorities of his administration.
