Tinubu Secures French Military Support Amid Rising Terror Threats in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that Nigeria has obtained fresh military assistance from France following a high-level telephone discussion with French leader Emmanuel Macron, as the country intensifies efforts to confront escalating insecurity.

The president made this known in Lagos during a gathering to mark the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, where he hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation of 23 state governors. According to him, the conversation with Macron focused on deepening defence cooperation, particularly in the areas of military equipment supply and strategic security support.

This development comes against the backdrop of renewed terrorist violence in the country. In Maiduguri, a series of coordinated bomb attacks recently claimed the lives of at least 23 people. The explosions occurred in key locations, including the Post Office area, the bustling Monday Market, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, highlighting the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.

Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu described insecurity as one of the most pressing challenges facing his administration. He emphasized that terrorism continues to undermine national development, disrupt economic progress, and threaten the safety of citizens. As a result, he noted that Nigeria is actively strengthening partnerships with international allies to enhance its security capabilities.

Tinubu also disclosed that similar discussions were held during his recent official visit to the United Kingdom, where he engaged key leaders on issues of defence collaboration and economic cooperation. During that trip, he met with King Charles III and Keir Starmer, with talks centered on boosting bilateral relations and attracting investment into Nigeria.

The president urged state governors to align closely with federal initiatives aimed at improving security and citizens’ welfare. He stressed the need for policies that directly address the hardships faced by Nigerians, especially in light of global uncertainties. Tinubu warned that ongoing tensions in the Middle East could drive up energy prices and transportation costs, thereby worsening inflation and reducing purchasing power domestically.

He called on subnational governments to implement measures that would cushion the economic impact on vulnerable populations. At the same time, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies and strengthening intelligence systems to combat terrorism more effectively.

President Tinubu also commended Vice President Shettima for his recent visit to Borno State, where he met with victims of the attacks and assessed the security situation firsthand. The president assured residents of the region that additional measures would be taken to enhance their protection and prevent further incidents.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised Tinubu’s leadership and reiterated the commitment of state governments to tackling insecurity. He disclosed that discussions around the establishment of state police are progressing, with proposals expected to be submitted to the National Assembly to provide a legal framework for implementation.

The meeting brought together governors from across the federation, along with senior government officials, underscoring a unified approach to addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges. While the partnership with France signals a renewed push for international cooperation, it also reflects the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to the country’s long-standing battle against terrorism.