By Our Correspondent
National News – President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies and relevant ministries to strengthen protection for schools located in high-risk areas across Nigeria as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity affecting children and educational institutions.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, which also coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
The President said the Federal Government would intensify intelligence-led rescue operations for abducted children, teachers and vulnerable citizens, especially victims recently kidnapped in Oyo and Borno states.
Tinubu assured affected families that the victims had not been abandoned and promised continued efforts to secure their safe return.
According to the President, all security agencies have been directed to improve coordination and carry out carefully planned rescue missions focused on recovering abducted children safely.
He stressed that protecting schools must become proactive rather than reactive, warning that attacks on schools threaten the future of the nation’s children.
Tinubu also announced plans to strengthen school safety measures through updated vulnerability mapping, improved collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and stronger community-based early warning networks in vulnerable areas.
The President further directed the Federal Ministry of Education to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework across the country.
He explained that schools in high-risk communities must have clear emergency procedures, security contacts and evacuation plans to protect students and teachers during emergencies.
Speaking on rehabilitation, Tinubu said rescued children affected by kidnapping, violence or displacement should receive proper medical care, counselling, education and reintegration support to help them recover from trauma.
He also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community groups to support efforts aimed at improving child safety nationwide.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safer schools, better healthcare, quality education and improved welfare for Nigerian children.
