Tinubu Secures France Military Support to Boost Fight Against Terrorism in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed a new phase of Nigeria–France military cooperation, aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, and rising insecurity.

The development follows high-level talks between Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to secure international partnerships to reinforce its security architecture.

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 defence collaboration and military equipment acquisition also featured prominently.

According to the President, discussions with Macron were extensive and focused on practical measures to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations, including support in military hardware, intelligence, and operational logistics.

“I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said.

He revealed that his administration is broadening its diplomatic outreach to include multiple countries willing to assist Nigeria with military training, technology transfer, and procurement of modern defence equipment.

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“I’m making frantic efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” he added.

The renewed push for foreign military support comes amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, where the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to confront multiple threats, including Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, and separatist tensions in the South-East.

Security analysts say Nigeria’s current challenges require advanced surveillance systems, drones, air power, and intelligence-sharing frameworks, areas where international partnerships—particularly with countries like France—could play a crucial role.

France has maintained a significant military footprint in West Africa, especially in the Sahel region, where it has led counterterrorism operations against extremist groups. Although its regional role has evolved in recent years, Paris remains a key partner in security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and defence training.

Tinubu stressed that insecurity remains one of the biggest tests facing his administration, warning that it threatens national stability, economic growth, and social cohesion.

“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face; it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.

“I’m making all the efforts to ensure that collectively we share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny.”

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He called on state governors to deepen collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies, noting that subnational support is critical to achieving lasting peace.

The President also disclosed that his recent visit to the United Kingdom included discussions on equipping Nigerian forces with modern military hardware and technology to improve operational efficiency and response time.

“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment,” he noted.

Beyond security, Tinubu raised concerns about the potential economic impact of global tensions, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He warned that the situation could fuel inflation, higher fuel prices, and increased cost of living in Nigeria.

“I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation, will affect our purchasing power,” he said, adding that rising fuel costs could trigger transportation challenges and food price increases.

He acknowledged that organised labour and other stakeholders may respond to these economic pressures, stressing the need for proactive measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians.

The President thanked the governors for their swift response to his invitation, describing their presence as a demonstration of unity and shared commitment to addressing national challenges.

Tinubu reiterated that his administration is committed to investing in advanced technology, intelligence systems, and modern equipment to defeat terrorism and criminal networks.

“We must defeat terrorism and all of these criminal acts. As our investment in technology and equipment, we must defeat them,” he declared.

With Nigeria facing a complex and evolving security landscape, the strengthened partnership with France and other global allies signals a renewed strategy focused on international collaboration, military modernisation, and coordinated security operations to restore peace and stability across the country.

Tinubu Secures France Military Support to Boost Fight Against Terrorism in Nigeria

Tinubu Moves to Ease Economic Pressure as Fuel Price Hike Hits Nigerians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated fresh efforts to cushion Nigerians against the impact of rising fuel prices and the accompanying increase in the cost of living across the country.

The development was disclosed during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Dutse, where Umar Namadi addressed residents after hosting traditional rulers, including the Emir of Dutse, at the Hawan Bariki Durbar.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, the governor said the President is aware of the economic hardship Nigerians are facing and has already begun implementing measures aimed at reducing the burden, particularly in the transport sector.

He explained that the recent spike in petrol prices has been influenced not only by domestic policy changes but also by external factors, including global oil market volatility and tensions in oil-producing regions, which have contributed to fluctuations in supply and pricing.

“The President is aware of the burden this increase will place on our people and has already begun taking measures to reduce the impact, especially in the area of transportation,” Namadi said.

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One of the key focus areas of the Federal Government’s response is improving transport affordability, with plans to introduce alternatives that can help reduce the cost of movement for Nigerians. This is expected to ease pressure on commuters, traders, and workers who have been hardest hit by the recent fuel price adjustments.

Transportation costs have risen sharply in recent weeks, triggering a ripple effect on food prices, logistics, and other essential services, further intensifying inflationary pressures in Nigeria.

Governor Namadi noted that relevant federal agencies have been directed to begin implementing targeted relief measures, while also working on medium- to long-term solutions to stabilize the economy.

At the state level, he assured that the Jigawa State Government will align with federal initiatives while also rolling out complementary programmes aimed at supporting residents through palliatives, economic support schemes, and improved access to essential services.

He acknowledged the current hardship but expressed optimism that coordinated efforts between federal and state governments would gradually restore stability.

Across Nigeria, citizens continue to grapple with the effects of fuel subsidy removal, including higher transport fares, increased production costs, and rising prices of goods and services. Analysts say the situation has placed additional strain on households and small businesses already dealing with economic challenges.

Economic experts have repeatedly emphasized the need for sustained interventions, including expansion of public transportation systems, investment in alternative energy sources, and targeted social support to mitigate the short-term effects of reforms while maintaining long-term fiscal stability.

The Federal Government has maintained that ongoing economic adjustments are necessary to strengthen the economy, attract investment, and reduce dependence on fuel subsidies, even as it acknowledges the immediate challenges faced by citizens.

Tinubu Moves to Ease Economic Pressure as Fuel Price Hike Hits Nigerians

₦200 Trillion NNPCL Probe: SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against Akpabio

Pressure is intensifying on Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened legal action over the alleged ₦200 trillion missing from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The group is demanding full transparency in the ongoing Senate investigation, including the disclosure of all individuals allegedly linked to the financial discrepancies within Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

In a letter dated March 21, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Akpabio to direct the Senate Public Accounts Committee to immediately publish the identities, roles, and positions of officials under investigation.

The organisation also called for the release of critical documents tied to the probe, including audit reports, financial statements, and official correspondences reviewed by the committee.

According to SERAP, Nigerians have a right to scrutinise the process independently, stressing that transparency is key to establishing the credibility of the claims.

“Full disclosure of the ongoing investigation is essential to ensure transparency and accountability, prevent political interference, and allow Nigerians to independently scrutinise the facts,” the group stated.

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The Senate Public Accounts Committee is currently probing claims that about ₦200 trillion in NNPCL funds cannot be properly accounted for between 2017 and 2023—a figure that has sparked widespread debate among financial experts and policymakers.

Lawmakers have reportedly raised concerns over inconsistencies in financial records, missing documentation, and unclear reconciliations within the oil company’s accounts.

The investigation has also been slowed by the failure of some officials to honour invitations, as well as delays in providing detailed responses to audit queries.

SERAP warned that continued secrecy and delays could undermine public trust and create room for political interference or potential cover-ups.

“The magnitude of the sum, combined with NNPCL’s history of opaque practices, underscores the urgency of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” the group said.

The organisation further demanded that the Senate publish full records of proceedings, including meeting minutes, submissions, and evidence presented so far, to ensure accountability.

It also asked for a clear timeline indicating when implicated officials will appear before the panel and when the investigation will be concluded.

Beyond transparency, SERAP emphasised that no individual—regardless of political status or influence—should be shielded if found culpable.

“Allowing these allegations to be ignored, delayed, or politicised risks normalising impunity and diminishes the public’s right to know how national wealth is being managed,” the letter added.

The group gave the Senate a seven-day ultimatum to act on its demands, warning that it would initiate legal proceedings if there is no response within the stipulated timeframe.

Meanwhile, tensions between the Senate and NNPCL officials have continued to rise, with reports indicating that several key figures have failed to appear before the committee despite repeated invitations.

Industry analysts note that the controversy reflects longstanding concerns about transparency in Nigeria’s oil sector, including issues around revenue tracking, subsidy regimes, and institutional accountability.

The unfolding situation has heightened public interest, with many Nigerians calling for a credible and transparent investigation to determine the accuracy of the claims and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed.

₦200 Trillion NNPCL Probe: SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against Akpabio