Tinubu Assures Zulum of Action to Rescue Abducted Borno Schoolchildren

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nearly five months after gunmen abducted dozens of children in Mussa community, Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum says President Bola Tinubu has assured him that security agencies will take further measures to secure their release.

Zulum disclosed the presidential assurance after meeting Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, where he raised concerns about the abduction in Askira-Uba Local Government Area and security challenges affecting other communities across the state.

The meeting has renewed attention on the fate of the missing children, whose prolonged captivity remains a major concern for their families and the affected community.

Tinubu Directs Security Agencies to Pursue Rescue Efforts

According to Zulum, Tinubu assured him that the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser would take the necessary measures to bring the abducted children home.

The governor said he briefed the President on the incident in Mussa and other security concerns requiring federal intervention.

However, the details of the proposed operations, including their timelines and the specific measures being deployed, were not disclosed in the account of the meeting. No confirmed rescue outcome was reported in the available information.

The immediate priority remains locating the children, securing their safe return and providing their families with reliable updates as security agencies pursue the case.

What Happened in Mussa Community?

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen reportedly took between 42 and 44 children from a primary school, a junior secondary school and nearby homes in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

The incident affected both schoolchildren and families in the surrounding community. The children have reportedly remained in captivity for nearly five months, while their relatives continue to call for their release.

The reported figure varies between 42 and 44, and the precise number should be clarified through an authoritative update from the relevant authorities.

The length of time since the incident has made the case particularly urgent. Beyond the immediate danger facing the children, prolonged captivity can leave families struggling with uncertainty and communities concerned about the safety of schools, homes and everyday activities.

Zulum Reports Security Improvements but Identifies Remaining Gaps

Despite the unresolved abduction, Zulum said the overall security situation in Borno State had improved over the preceding six months to one year.

The governor also said more than two million people had been resettled in their ancestral communities over the past seven years.

The resettlement figure highlights the scale of the state’s efforts to help residents return to their communities after years of insecurity and displacement. However, the continuing abduction case illustrates why the process of restoring normal life also depends on sustained protection, effective security operations and the ability of residents to live without fear of further attacks.

Zulum specifically identified Kareto, an area between Damasak and Gubio, as requiring additional security measures.

His remarks indicate that, while the state government reports progress in restoring security and facilitating returns, some locations still require further attention.

Why the Abduction Matters Beyond Askira-Uba

The Mussa incident raises concerns about civilian protection in communities affected by insecurity in northeastern Nigeria.

For families, the central issue is the safe return of the children. For local authorities and security agencies, the case also places attention on the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, coordination between federal and state authorities, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Schools and surrounding residential areas are especially important because insecurity can disrupt education, undermine parents’ confidence and discourage families from returning to their homes.

The situation also demonstrates the difference between broader reports of security improvements and the resolution of individual incidents. Progress in some parts of Borno does not, by itself, establish that every affected community is secure.

What Happens Next?

The next significant development will be an official update on efforts to locate and rescue the children.

Families and residents will be looking for confirmation of the number of children still held, evidence of progress in rescue operations and assurances that those responsible are being pursued.

Further information from the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Office of the National Security Adviser or the Borno State Government would help establish the status of the operation and clarify what steps are being taken.

For now, Zulum’s statement confirms that he raised the abduction with Tinubu and received an assurance of action from federal security agencies. It does not confirm that the children have been found or that their release is imminent.

The priority remains the safe return of every abducted child and stronger protection for communities still facing security threats.