President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s International Children’s Day, while also expressing deep concern over the plight of children and teachers currently being held captive by kidnappers in parts of the country.

In a statement released to commemorate the annual event, the President acknowledged that while millions of children across Nigeria were celebrating Children’s Day and Eid-el-Kabir with their families, many others in states such as Oyo and Borno remained in captivity, separated from their loved ones by criminal elements.

Tinubu said the painful reality of abducted children weighed heavily on his heart, assuring affected families that the Federal Government would continue working tirelessly to secure the safe return of all victims.

According to the President, his administration would not reduce the suffering of affected families to mere ceremonial statements, stressing that concrete actions were already underway to rescue abducted children and ensure that those responsible for such crimes face justice.

“As a father and President, I want every affected child and family to know that they are not forgotten and will never be abandoned,” Tinubu stated.

The President directed all security agencies across the country to intensify coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the release of abducted children and other vulnerable citizens still in captivity.

He explained that the operations must remain intelligence-driven, professionally coordinated, and carefully executed to prioritise the safety of victims during rescue efforts.

Tinubu also ordered the strengthening of school protection systems in vulnerable communities across Nigeria, particularly in areas prone to attacks by kidnappers and criminal gangs.

According to him, the Federal Government would improve school vulnerability assessments, strengthen collaboration between state governments and security agencies, and establish rapid emergency response systems connecting schools with nearby security formations.

He added that community-based early warning systems would also be expanded to help detect threats before attacks occur.

The President said the Federal Ministry of Education, working together with state governments, had been directed to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework nationwide.

He noted that every school located in a high-risk environment must clearly understand emergency procedures, including who to contact during security threats, how to evacuate students, and how to coordinate with security agencies during emergencies.

Tinubu further disclosed that his administration would strengthen support systems for children who survive abduction, violence, displacement, and trauma.

According to him, rescue operations alone are not enough, stressing that victims also deserve proper rehabilitation, counselling, education, healthcare, and reintegration into society.

“A child who returns from captivity must return to dignity, care, medical support, counselling, and educational opportunities,” the President said.

He directed relevant ministries and government agencies to ensure that rescued children receive comprehensive reintegration support rather than temporary public attention.

Tinubu also stressed that the responsibility of protecting children should not rest solely on the government, calling on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes, and the media to actively participate in safeguarding children and schools.

According to the President, communities must become more vigilant and proactive in identifying suspicious activities around schools and neighbourhoods.

“When strange movements are observed around schools and communities and people remain silent, children are placed at risk,” he warned.

He added that timely sharing of information between communities and security agencies could save lives and prevent attacks before they occur.

The President explained that his administration remained committed to strengthening the relationship between local communities and security institutions as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s fight against attacks on schools and children must become preventive rather than reactive, stressing that security measures should begin long before criminal attacks take place.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu described Nigerian children as the pride and future of the nation.

He celebrated children excelling academically, those learning vocational skills, children living with disabilities, and others facing difficult life circumstances but continuing to persevere with hope and courage.

“Today belongs to every Nigerian child,” he said. “It is a celebration of your dreams, strength, creativity, resilience, and limitless potential.”

The President stressed that childhood should never become a privilege available only to a select few, insisting that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, safety, and equal opportunities.

Tinubu stated that his administration was investing heavily in education, healthcare, digital skills development, social protection, nutrition, and safer communities to create a better future for Nigerian children.

He assured young Nigerians that their welfare, safety, education, and aspirations remained central to the priorities of his government.

“To every Nigerian child, your dreams matter, your future matters, your education matters, and your safety matters,” Tinubu declared.

The President concluded by urging Nigerians to use the Children’s Day and Eid-el-Kabir celebrations as moments of reflection, compassion, unity, and renewed commitment toward building a country where every child can live, learn, and dream without fear.