Tinubu orders tougher security measures for schools in high-risk areas

By Damilare Adeleye

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen protection measures in schools located in high-risk areas across the country, following the abduction of schoolchildren in parts of Oyo and Borno states.

In his Children’s Day message personally signed on Wednesday, President Tinubu said the Federal Government would intensify efforts to rescue abducted children and ensure safer learning environments nationwide.

The President, who described Nigerian children as “the pride of our Republic,” said the country must act urgently to protect vulnerable pupils from criminal attacks.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.’”

Tinubu assured affected families that the government had not abandoned them, pledging sustained rescue operations until all abducted children are safely returned.

“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 stated.

The President disclosed that he had ordered all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations across the country.

“I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country,” he said.

“These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.”

Tinubu also announced new directives aimed at strengthening security architecture around schools in vulnerable communities.

According to him, the measures would 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 further directed the Federal Ministry of Education and 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,” the President said.

Tinubu added that the government would provide reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement.

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

The President also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to support efforts aimed at protecting children.

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

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to child welfare, Tinubu said the government would continue investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills and social protection programmes.

“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 added.