Support security agencies to rescue kidnapped children, Presidential Committee urges Nigerians

Michael Olumide

As Nigeria joined the rest of Africa to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, the Presidential Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, and future of Nigerian children, describing them as the country’s greatest asset and the foundation of national development.

The Committee also called on Nigerians to support security agencies in their ongoing efforts to rescue children kidnapped in different parts of the country, stressing that safeguarding every child is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of government, communities, parents, schools, and civil society.

In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Committee, Hon. Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu, the organisation said the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen child protection measures and guarantee a safe environment where every Nigerian child can grow, learn, and achieve his or her full potential.

According to the statement, the International Day of the African Child was instituted in 1991 by the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, to honour the courage of thousands of schoolchildren who participated in the June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa.

The students protested against poor educational policies and were met with brutal force, making the day a symbol of the struggle for children’s rights and access to quality education across Africa.

Nwachukwu expressed concern over the growing cases of child abduction, trafficking, abuse, exploitation, bullying, and other social vices that continue to threaten the future of Nigerian children and young people.

He stressed that every child deserves to live in an environment free from fear, violence, and insecurity.

He noted that the Committee remains committed to promoting safe classrooms, secure campuses, and peaceful communities through sustained advocacy against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice, bullying, and other harmful practices that endanger the future of young Nigerians.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to promoting safe classrooms, safe campuses, and safe communities where children can realise their full potential. Our advocacy campaigns against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice, bullying, and other social vices are designed to protect the future generation and build a more secure Nigeria,” the statement read.

The Committee also commended the dedication and sacrifices of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies working to rescue kidnapped children, combat insecurity, and restore peace in affected communities.

Nwachukwu urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, remaining vigilant, and supporting lawful efforts aimed at protecting children from criminal elements.

“The safety of every Nigerian child is a collective responsibility. Parents, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and government agencies must work together to create an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive without fear,” he said.

He further called on governments at all levels, development partners, and private organisations to increase investment in quality education, child protection programmes, youth mentorship, and community-based initiatives that address the underlying causes of insecurity and social vices affecting children.

The Committee maintained that protecting children today is essential to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria, urging all stakeholders to translate the ideals of the International Day of the African Child into practical actions that guarantee a brighter future for every Nigerian child.