_Maha Christopher_
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies and relevant ministries to strengthen protection measures for schools located in high risk areas across the country.
The President gave the directive in his message commemorating the 2026 Children’s Day celebration on Wednesday.
Tinubu said the government would intensify coordinated rescue efforts for abducted children and vulnerable citizens, particularly those recently kidnapped in Oyo and Borno states.
“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,” he 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.”
The President stated that all relevant security agencies had been directed to sustain and intensify intelligence led rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of abducted children.
“These operations must be intelligence led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children,” Tinubu said.
He also ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in vulnerable areas through updated school vulnerability mapping and closer coordination between state governments and security agencies.
“This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community based early warning systems,” he stated.
Tinubu further directed the Federal Ministry of Education to collaborate with state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework.
“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 added.
The President also stressed the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence, and displacement.
“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he said.
Tinubu called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting Nigerian children.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, and safer communities for children across the country.
“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” the President said.
