President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as a painful reminder of the security challenges still confronting the nation despite ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
Speaking during his nationwide broadcast on Friday to commemorate Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration, the President acknowledged that the annual celebration of democratic governance was overshadowed by the plight of the abducted children and the anguish being experienced by their families.
Tinubu, who delivered his fourth Democracy Day address since assuming office in 2023, said the nation’s collective joy was tempered by the reality that innocent schoolchildren remain in captivity, adding that the government remains fully committed to securing their safe and unconditional release.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” the President stated.
His remarks reflected growing national concern over recurring incidents of school abductions, which have become one of the most troubling security challenges facing the country in recent years.
The President assured Nigerians that security agencies were working tirelessly to rescue the victims and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Tinubu emphasized that no meaningful democracy can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a central responsibility of government.
“Democracy without security is a mirage,” he declared.
According to the President, this understanding informed his administration’s decision to declare a security emergency and implement far-reaching measures aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
He explained that the government had embarked on an aggressive recruitment programme to expand the capacity of security agencies and improve their ability to respond effectively to emerging threats across the country.
“That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that the large-scale recruitment exercise forms part of broader efforts to address manpower shortages within the security sector and enhance the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
He explained that increasing the number of trained personnel would help improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing initiatives and boost rapid response operations in vulnerable areas.
The abduction of schoolchildren has remained a major concern for parents, educators and policymakers, with many Nigerians calling for stronger measures to protect schools and educational institutions from criminal attacks.
Over the past decade, several communities across the country have experienced traumatic incidents involving the kidnapping of students, leading to heightened fears about safety within the education sector.
Security analysts have repeatedly stressed the need for a combination of military action, intelligence-driven operations, community engagement and socio-economic interventions to effectively address the root causes of insecurity.
Tinubu maintained that his administration remains committed to pursuing comprehensive security reforms aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring that citizens can live and work without fear.
He assured Nigerians that the government would continue to invest heavily in security infrastructure, personnel development and modern technology to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
The President also used the occasion to commend members of the armed forces, police and intelligence services for their dedication and sacrifices in defending the country against criminal elements.
According to him, security personnel continue to risk their lives daily to protect communities and preserve the nation’s democratic gains.
He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which many officers operate and pledged continued support for their welfare and operational effectiveness.
Beyond the immediate challenge of rescuing the abducted children, Tinubu stressed that his administration remains focused on creating a safer environment where citizens can pursue education, business and other lawful activities without intimidation.
The President’s comments resonated strongly with many Nigerians who view security as one of the most critical issues affecting national development.
For families of the abducted children, the Democracy Day message offered a renewed assurance that the government has not abandoned efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.
Observers noted that while Democracy Day is traditionally a time for celebrating Nigeria’s democratic progress, the President’s acknowledgement of the ongoing tragedy underscored the human cost of insecurity and the urgent need for sustained action.
As the nation marked another year of uninterrupted democratic governance, Tinubu reiterated that ensuring the safety of citizens remains fundamental to the success of democracy itself.
He stressed that democratic freedoms can only flourish in an environment where people feel secure, communities are protected and children can attend school without fear of violence or abduction.
The President concluded by expressing optimism that the abducted children would soon be reunited with their families, while reaffirming his administration’s determination to strengthen national security and safeguard the future of the country.
His message served as both a reflection on the challenges confronting Nigeria and a pledge that the government will continue working to ensure that security, peace and stability remain at the heart of the nation’s democratic journey.
