President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies and relevant ministries to strengthen protection measures for schools located in high-risk areas across the country.
Tinubu gave the directive in his message marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.
The President said the government would intensify coordinated rescue operations to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and vulnerable citizens, particularly those recently kidnapped in Oyo State and Borno State.
According to him, children and teachers currently in captivity should not be forgotten or abandoned.
“As we mark this special day… some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals,” Tinubu said.
He added that all relevant security agencies had been instructed to intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of abducted victims.
“These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children,” he stated.
Tinubu also ordered a review and strengthening of the Safe Schools initiative, including updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, and rapid response systems linking schools to local security units.
He further directed the Federal Ministry of Education to work closely with states to ensure full implementation of school protection frameworks.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu also emphasised the need for proper rehabilitation and reintegration of rescued children, including access to counselling, healthcare, education and psychological support.
He called on parents, community leaders, religious institutions and the media to support efforts aimed at safeguarding children across the country.
At least 82 schoolchildren were reportedly abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, during separate attacks in Borno and Oyo states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were abducted after attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, while in Oyo State, 40 schoolchildren were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
During the Oyo attack, a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was killed by the attackers, while other casualties were also recorded during rescue attempts involving security personnel.
Pnch
