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

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