Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged renewed and strengthened military and strategic support to Nigeria as the country confronts a growing wave of security threats, particularly in the northern region. The commitment followed a phone call on Sunday between Macron and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which they discussed recent surges in violence, kidnappings, and terrorist activity.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Macron expressed solidarity with Nigeria and described France’s readiness to deepen cooperation on counter-terror operations. “At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for affected populations,” he said. He further urged other international partners to intensify engagement, adding: “No one can remain a spectator.”
Under the renewed partnership, France is set to offer enhanced support in several critical areas — particularly intelligence-sharing, tactical assistance, training for security forces, and humanitarian support for communities affected by insecurity. While Macron did not specify all the forms this support would take, analysts expect a mix of capacity-building programmes, coordination on cross-border security threats, and targeted aid to reinforce Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
The call for support comes at a time when Nigeria faces escalating security challenges: from recurring banditry and mass kidnappings in the northwest to insurgent attacks in the northeast. The northern parts of the country have witnessed a sharp rise in these threats in recent weeks, prompting President Tinubu to strengthen the national security architecture and seek international collaboration.
In response, France — a longtime partner of Nigeria — appears ready to step up its role. Since his assumption of office, Tinubu has stressed the importance of multinational cooperation in counter-terrorism. The renewed offer from France may signal a turning point in Nigeria’s external security partnerships.
Observers say Macron’s public pledge could help restore confidence among communities affected by insecurity, many of whom have borne the brunt of kidnappings, attacks on farmers, and disruption of livelihoods. It also underscores the relevance of regional and international collaboration in tackling transnational threats that often exploit porous borders in the Sahel and West Africa.
However, experts caution that success will depend on implementation — including clear frameworks for cooperation, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, effective intelligence coordination, and transparency in the use of support to avoid exacerbating tensions.
As Nigeria braces for what many expect to be a long, difficult fight against insurgency and banditry, this renewed commitment from France may offer a crucial boost — not only for military efforts, but also for restoring hope among Nigerians seeking peace, security, and stability.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments