The President of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen security measures and intensify efforts to rescue missing and kidnapped children across Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Abdulrauf expressed concern over the growing cases of child kidnappings and insecurity affecting children in different parts of the country.
He described the situation as painful and unacceptable, noting that many families are still waiting for the return of children who have disappeared or been abducted. The NASFAT president particularly referenced the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren, teachers, and a principal in Oyo State, emphasizing that such incidents continue to create fear among parents and communities. According to him, every missing child represents a painful loss to families and society.
Call for Practical Strategies
“What a missing Children’s Day,” Abdulrauf said, while remembering children who have not yet returned home. He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to develop practical and realistic strategies that would ensure the safe rescue and return of kidnapped children. Abdulrauf stressed that the Federal Government, state governments, and local authorities must work together and deploy all available resources towards ending child abductions and insecurity.
He also criticized what he described as weak border control policies over the years, arguing that poor security around Nigeria’s borders has contributed to child trafficking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. According to him, many innocent children have suffered exploitation, abuse, and displacement due to insecurity and poor protection systems.
Action Against Criminal Networks
The NASFAT president called on the current administration to take decisive action against criminal networks involved in kidnapping and human trafficking. He urged security agencies to identify and dismantle groups responsible for crimes against children and ensure those involved face justice. “Enough is enough. Let the poor breathe, for Allah’s sake,” Abdulrauf stated.
He further called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and communities in protecting children and vulnerable groups. According to him, schools, communities, and public spaces must be made safer for children across the country. Abdulrauf said Nigeria’s security infrastructure requires urgent improvement, adding that law enforcement agencies need better funding, training, and equipment to tackle criminal activities effectively.
Border Security and National Priority
Abdulrauf urged the government to strengthen the military, police, and other security agencies so they can respond swiftly to kidnappings and related crimes. He also stressed the need for tighter border security to prevent criminal groups from moving victims across locations. He said border communities and areas exposed to criminal activities should receive increased security presence and surveillance.
The NASFAT president maintained that reducing kidnapping and child-related crimes to the barest minimum should become a national priority. He added that protecting children is a collective responsibility involving government, religious bodies, parents, and the wider society.
NASFAT’s Commitment
While commemorating Children’s Day, Abdulrauf said NASFAT will continue to pray for missing children and support efforts aimed at securing their freedom and safety. He assured affected families that the organization will continue advocating for stronger protection for Nigerian children. “As we commemorate Children’s Day, we hold the children who have yet to come home close in our hearts and remain firm in our promise to their families that we will never stop praying for their return,” he said.
The NASFAT president also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information that could help prevent crimes against children. He stressed that children deserve to grow up in safe environments free from fear, violence, and insecurity. Abdulrauf concluded by reaffirming NASFAT’s commitment to promoting the welfare, safety, and protection of children across Nigeria.
