President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the protection and welfare of Nigerian children should not be left solely in the hands of government, stressing that parents, communities, schools, religious institutions and other stakeholders all have important roles to play in safeguarding children.

In his message marking the 2026 International Children’s Day celebration, Tinubu praised Nigerian children for their resilience, creativity and potential, while also addressing the growing concerns over insecurity affecting schoolchildren in parts of the country. 

The president specifically reached out to families of pupils and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo State and Borno State, assuring them that the victims had not been forgotten.

“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 in part of the statement. He added that the federal government remained committed to securing their safe return. 

According to the president, security agencies have been directed to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations aimed at recovering abducted children and other vulnerable citizens safely. 

The statement comes amid national concern over recent school abductions. Gunmen reportedly kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State earlier this month. Reports indicated that the victims included children between the ages of two and 16. 

Children’s Day celebrations across Nigeria this year have been overshadowed by renewed concerns about school safety and child protection, with advocacy groups and public figures calling for stronger security measures and improved protection for students nationwide.