Children’s Day: Tinubu orders stronger school protection in high-risk areas

President Bola 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 on Wednesday, PUNCH Online reports.

The President said the government would intensify coordinated rescue efforts for abducted children and vulnerable citizens, particularly those recently kidnapped in Oyo State and Borno State.

“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.

“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,” Tinubu said.

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,” he said.

Tinubu also ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in vulnerable areas, including updated school vulnerability mapping and improved 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.

He directed the Federal Ministry of Education to work with state governments to deepen 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,” Tinubu added.

The President further said children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement must receive proper rehabilitation and reintegration support.

“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he said.

The President also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection and safer communities for Nigerian children.

“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred. 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,” he said.