The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has called for the immediate release of 78 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State.
UNICEF made the call on Wednesday during a media briefing in Maiduguri. The briefing marked the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.
UNICEF Nigeria Deputy Representative, Dr Rownak Khan, expressed concern over the continued abduction of children in Borno and other parts of Nigeria.
She urged the Federal Government and the Borno State Government to step up efforts to rescue the children.
According to UNICEF, authorities must make the safe return of the children a priority.
Khan said every child deserves to learn in a safe environment. She added that schools must remain places where children can learn without fear.
Meanwhile, UNICEF continues to work with the Borno State Government to improve safety measures in schools.
The agency also plans to support the children after their release. This support will include healthcare, nutrition and psychosocial services.
In addition, UNICEF will help the children return to school and rebuild their lives after the ordeal.
The 78 children went missing during two separate attacks in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
On May 15, suspected insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Mussa community.
During the attack, the assailants abducted 42 pupils from the school.
Later, on June 29, another attack occurred at Government Day Secondary School in Lassa.
The attackers abducted 36 students and one teacher during the incident.
Together, the two attacks brought the number of abducted schoolchildren to 78.
UNICEF said the Nigerian Government has the primary responsibility for protecting children.
Therefore, the agency called for stronger security around schools, especially in communities affected by conflict.
The latest abductions have renewed concerns about the safety of schools in Borno State.
For many families, school safety remains a major concern because of the security challenges in the North-East.
However, UNICEF said children should not lose access to education because of insecurity.
The agency urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and protect children from further attacks.
UNICEF also stressed the need to reunite the abducted children with their families as soon as possible.
For now, the safe return of the 78 children remains a major concern for their families, communities and humanitarian organisations.
