The Federal Government has condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as a grave threat to Nigeria’s future, national security and collective values.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the declaration on Tuesday in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day of the African Child.

She assured affected families and communities that the Federal Government is working tirelessly to secure the safe and unconditional release of all abducted children.

According to the minister, the kidnappings represent a direct attack on the nation’s future and will not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s resolve to protect its children.

She disclosed that security and intelligence agencies have been fully mobilised to ensure the swift rescue of the victims and bring those responsible to justice.

Beyond insecurity, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Nigerian children continue to face challenges such as poverty, child trafficking, neglect, harmful traditional practices, child marriage and other forms of abuse and violence.

She highlighted ongoing government efforts to strengthen child protection systems through policy reforms and targeted interventions, including the implementation of the National Strategy and Costed Action Plan on Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria by 2030.

The minister also revealed that the National Adoption Policy is currently under review to tackle baby-selling, curb child trafficking and enhance safeguards for children involved in adoption processes.

She stated that all 36 states of the federation have now domesticated the Child Rights Act and established structures for its implementation.

According to her, the upgraded National Child Abuse Reporting Hotline successfully handled over 8,000 cases within the past year, connecting victims with legal assistance, emergency shelters and rehabilitation services.

Expressing concern over emerging digital threats, she warned against online grooming, cyberbullying and other forms of technology-facilitated violence targeting children.

To address these challenges, the ministry has launched the National Child Online Protection Framework in partnership with law enforcement agencies and telecommunications regulators, while over 50,000 parents and educators have been trained on digital safety.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” the minister stressed the importance of clean water and sanitation in promoting children’s health, survival and educational development.

She said government interventions, including the installation of solar-powered boreholes and sanitation facilities in schools and primary healthcare centres, have contributed to a 15 per cent reduction in waterborne diseases among children in targeted rural communities.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim further highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774 Programme, which is being implemented across all 774 local government areas to provide educational support, nutrition, child protection services, psychosocial care, skills acquisition and digital inclusion opportunities for vulnerable children.

She called on state governments, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and parents to strengthen investments in child welfare, education, water and sanitation services.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to children’s welfare, the minister stressed that sustainable national development cannot be achieved if children are denied safety, dignity and opportunities to reach their full potential.