President Bola Tinubu has assured abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States that his administration has not abandoned them, directing security agencies to intensify coordinated, intelligence-driven rescue operations aimed at securing their safe return.
In a solemn Children’s Day message issued on Wednesday,, May 27, 2026, the President said the government remained fully committed to rescuing all victims of recent school attacks and bringing perpetrators to justice, even as families across affected communities continue to grapple with fear and uncertainty.
Tinubu’s statement comes amid renewed public concern following coordinated assaults on schools in parts of Oyo and Borno, where pupils, teachers and school administrators were abducted by armed groups in separate incidents that left casualties and widespread trauma.
‘Government will not abandon your pain’ — Tinubu
Speaking directly to victims and their families, the President struck a deeply emotional tone, describing the abducted children as central to the nation’s conscience.
“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,” Tinubu 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.”
He added that government would not reduce the crisis to “ceremony and rhetoric,” stressing that ongoing rescue efforts would continue until every abducted citizen is safely returned.
‘Intelligence-led rescue operations underway’
President Bola Tinubu disclosed that he had issued fresh directives to all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated operations across affected regions, with emphasis on intelligence-led missions designed to minimise harm to victims.
He said the approach would ensure precision in tracking abductors while prioritising the safe recovery of children and vulnerable citizens.
The President also ordered enhanced protection measures for schools in high-risk areas, including updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state authorities and security formations, and faster emergency response mechanisms linking schools to security units.
Safe Schools framework to be strengthened
Tinubu said his administration would deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework in collaboration with state governments, with focus on early warning systems and rapid intervention strategies.
According to him, schools in vulnerable communities must now operate with clear emergency protocols and direct communication channels to security agencies to prevent further attacks.
He also emphasised post-rescue welfare for abducted children, stressing that recovery must go beyond physical release.
“Rescue is not the end of government’s duty. A child who returns from trauma must receive care, counselling, medical attention, education and dignity,” he said.
Communities, leaders urged to play active role
The President called for broader community involvement in safeguarding schools, warning that silence and delayed reporting of suspicious movements often worsen security threats.
He urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions, youth groups and the media to strengthen collaboration with security agencies.
