“You Are Not Forgotten” — Tinubu Speaks to Abducted Nigerian Children

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will intensify efforts to rescue abducted children and strengthen security around schools across the country.

In a statement issued to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President paid tribute to Nigerian children for their resilience, courage and aspirations, while expressing deep concern over children currently being held captive by criminal groups in parts of the country.

 Tinubu said the celebration, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” serves as a reminder that the nation’s future depends largely on the opportunities and protection provided for children today. He celebrated children excelling academically, those learning vocational skills, children living with disabilities and others facing difficult circumstances but still holding on to hope.

“Today belongs to you. It is a day to celebrate your innocence, your strength, your creativity, your aspirations and the immeasurable value you bring to our nation,” the President stated.

The President particularly referenced abducted pupils and teachers in parts of Oyo State and Borno State, noting that many families could not fully participate in the Children’s Day celebration because of the pain and uncertainty surrounding their missing loved ones. “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,” The President declared. 

He assured affected families that the government would continue working until all abducted children are safely returned and those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice. According to the President, he has directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations nationwide, with particular attention on abducted children and vulnerable citizens.

He said the operations must remain intelligence-driven, carefully coordinated and focused primarily on the safe recovery of victims.

 Tinubu also ordered the strengthening of school security measures in vulnerable communities across the country. The measures, according to him, will include updated school vulnerability mapping, stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and improved community-based early warning mechanisms.

The President further directed the Federal Ministry of Education to work closely with state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework.

He said schools located in high-risk areas must clearly understand emergency procedures and have direct communication channels with security authorities. “Every school in a vulnerable area must know who to call, what to do, where to move and how to protect children when danger is identified,” he said.

Tinubu also stressed that children rescued from abduction and violence must receive adequate rehabilitation and reintegration support beyond immediate rescue efforts.

 According to him, affected children should have access to medical care, counselling, education and long-term emotional support.

 The President noted that child protection should not be left to government alone, urging parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, local vigilantes, transport unions and the media to work collectively in safeguarding children. He warned that communities must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around schools and public spaces.

 “When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” the President stated.

The statement comes amid growing national concern over repeated attacks on schools and the abduction of students in parts of northern Nigeria.