Pat Stevens/
President Bola Tinubu has offered the clearest indication yet of why Nigerian security forces have not carried out aggressive military assaults to free abducted schoolchildren, saying rescue missions must be “intelligence-led” and “carefully executed” to prioritise the safe return of victims.
In his Children’s Day message on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the anguish of families whose children and teachers remain in captivity in parts of Oyo State and Borno State, while defending the cautious approach being adopted by security agencies.
The President’s remarks are likely to be interpreted as an explanation for why authorities have avoided swift or forceful rescue attempts in some kidnapping cases, amid fears that poorly coordinated operations could endanger the lives of children held by armed groups.
“I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country,” Tinubu said.
“These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused first on the safe recovery of our children.”
The statement reflects longstanding concerns among Nigerian security officials that direct military action against kidnappers or insurgents holding children can sometimes trigger retaliatory killings or dispersal of hostages into remote forests and conflict zones.
Tinubu’s comments came as he used the annual Children’s Day observance to focus national attention on insecurity affecting schools and vulnerable communities.
“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,” he said.
“Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.’”
The President insisted the victims had not been abandoned, promising that the government would continue operations until abducted children are safely returned and those responsible prosecuted.
He also announced fresh directives aimed at preventing future attacks on schools, particularly in high-risk areas.
According to Tinubu, the government will strengthen school vulnerability mapping, improve coordination between state governments and security agencies, establish rapid emergency response links for schools and expand community-based early warning systems.
The Federal Ministry of Education was also instructed to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework, including clearer reporting channels, defined responsibilities and emergency response procedures for schools facing security threats.
Tinubu further pledged expanded rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement, including counselling, medical care and continued education.
Beyond government action, the President called on parents, community leaders, transport unions, vigilante groups and the media to play a more active role in identifying suspicious activity around schools before attacks occur.
“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” he said.
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