The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that security and intelligence agencies are working with urgency to secure the safe rescue and unconditional return of schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, gave the assurance on Tuesday in a statement marking the 2026 International Day of the African Child.
The minister strongly condemned the abductions and other attacks targeting educational institutions, describing them as a direct assault on Nigeria’s security, values and future.
“The Federal Government states unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms its condemnation of the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States, alongside all negative acts targeting educational institutions,” she said.
According to her, the government stands in total solidarity with the affected children, their families and communities, stressing that the perpetrators would not succeed in undermining the nation’s resolve to protect its children.
She said: “Such acts constitute a direct assault on our national security, our values, and our future. They will not be tolerated, and they will not break our national spirit.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that security and intelligence agencies had been fully mobilised and were operating with the highest level of urgency to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to strengthening child protection systems across the country and promoting policies that guarantee the safety, dignity and equal opportunities of every Nigerian child.
She also called on traditional and religious leaders, state and local governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and parents to intensify support for child protection initiatives, education, safe water and sanitation programmes, and digital safety frameworks.
According to her, protecting children is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders.
The minister further renewed Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of children, pledging continued efforts to protect, educate and empower every child in line with the objectives of the International Day of the African Child.