President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the protection of children in Nigeria must not rest only on government, stressing the need for shared responsibility in securing schools and communities.
In a statement marking Children’s Day, he said, “Protecting children cannot be left solely to the government,” calling for stronger collaboration between citizens and security institutions.
He also expressed concern over the continued captivity of some schoolchildren and teachers abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno states, noting that they should have been celebrating the day with their families.
“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 said.
Tinubu said his administration would intensify rescue operations, directing security agencies to sustain coordinated, intelligence-led efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.
He added that “these operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children,” while also emphasizing the need for improved school protection systems.
The president said the government would strengthen school safety through updated vulnerability mapping, better coordination between security agencies and state governments, and rapid response mechanisms.
He also directed the full implementation of the Safe Schools framework, noting that schools in vulnerable areas must have clear guidance on emergency response and protection procedures.
Beyond government action, Tinubu urged parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious groups, youth organisations, vigilantes and the media to play active roles in safeguarding children.
According to him, “when a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk,” stressing the importance of vigilance and timely reporting.
He also said rescued children would receive full reintegration support, including medical care, counselling and education, adding that recovery efforts must go beyond rescue.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring safe learning environments and protecting every Nigerian child from fear, violence and insecurity.
