LAGOS — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that Nigeria has secured military collaboration from France to strengthen its fight against terrorism, following a high-level discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Tinubu disclosed this on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, shortly after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he marked the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.
According to the President, Nigeria is prepared to leverage its diplomatic goodwill and existing lines of credit to acquire critical military equipment and specialised training for its security forces.
“I can report that after a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, France has agreed to collaborate with us on equipment and support,” Tinubu said, adding that efforts are ongoing to secure similar partnerships with other nations.
He described insecurity as a major challenge confronting his administration, urging collective action to defeat terrorism and restore national stability.
“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity. We must work together to achieve victory and be proud of overcoming it,” he said, stressing that insecurity remains a threat to development, progress, and prosperity.
The meeting, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also addressed economic concerns, with Tinubu warning that tensions in the Middle East could worsen inflation and reduce purchasing power in Nigeria.
“I know the Middle East crisis will affect inflation, transportation, and food prices,” he noted, acknowledging the potential impact on citizens and labour groups.
The President commended governors for responding promptly to his invitation, describing their turnout as a demonstration of unity, commitment, and shared responsibility.
He also urged them to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens, noting that more efforts are needed despite ongoing progress.
Tinubu extended condolences to Babagana Zulum over the recent Maiduguri bomb blasts, which claimed 23 lives and left over 100 injured. He directed the governor to convey the Federal Government’s sympathy to affected communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Tinubu pledged increased investment in modern technology, logistics, and equipment to combat terrorism and other security threats nationwide.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and widespread kidnapping across the country.
France has long maintained military cooperation with West African nations, particularly in counter-terrorism operations across the Sahel region.
The President’s announcement follows his recent UK visit, where he held talks with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Keir Starmer, securing agreements on trade and security cooperation.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima recently visited victims of the Maiduguri attacks at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, assuring Nigerians of increased federal investment in security infrastructure and operational capacity to defeat terrorism.
