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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Nigerian government following the rescue of 39 pupils and five teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant step in protecting children affected by conflict.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit by a UNICEF delegation, led by Executive Director Catherine Russell, to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House on Thursday.
The victims were abducted on May 15 and regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity through a coordinated, intelligence-led operation by Nigerian security agencies.
“I think investing in women and children is an investment into the future of the nation,” Russell said.
“UNICEF is glad to stay part of the team, helping as much as possible. We thank the leadership for rescuing children in conflict.”
Russell described conflict as one of the gravest threats facing children globally, exposing them to displacement, violence, abduction and severe psychological trauma.
“Whether it is displacement, conflict, violence, abductions, whatever it is, children need to be protected in these situations,” she said.
The UNICEF delegation also commended the First Lady for championing a birth registration campaign that registered 14 million Nigerian children within two years.
Russell attributed the achievement partly to advocacy under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which accelerated birth registration across communities and strengthened children’s legal identity nationwide.
“Birth registration is one of the most important because children are part of our priority to guarantee a great future,” she said.
Russell further acknowledged the First Lady’s advocacy against female genital mutilation and child marriage.
Responding, Tinubu expressed delight over the children’s rescue and appreciated UNICEF’s continued solidarity with Nigeria.
“We are used to UNICEF coming to partner with our office in the way of advocacy because we know we have ministries and the work of the First Lady is for complementary and support,” she said.
The First Lady, a former teacher, said that investing in children remained fundamental to sustainable national development.
“When you have children and they are not well invested in, no matter how wealthy that country is, they will not be able to make substantial growth,” she said.
Tinubu also identified the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly Almajiri children in northern Nigeria, as a pressing concern requiring urgent intervention.
PRESS RELEASE
UNICEF COMMENDS FG FOR THE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED OYO SCHOOL CHILDREN
As delegation visits First Lady Oluremi TinubuThe United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the… pic.twitter.com/AiCcipQzV9
— Office Of The First Lady (@statehouse_Fl) July 16, 2026
