Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja — In a major disclosure that underscores the mounting security challenges confronting Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially confirmed that his government is receiving foreign assistance to bolster its campaign against terrorism, banditry and related violence. The confirmation came in his 2026 Easter message, delivered on Good Friday, where Tinubu acknowledged the persistence of insecurity despite ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s armed forces and security agencies.
Speaking to the nation, President Tinubu said his administration was committed to providing necessary resources and building strategic partnerships outside Nigeria’s borders to deliver decisive blows against those he described as “agents of terror and banditry.” He said, “My administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.”
The President did not disclose the specific countries involved or detail the nature of the assistance. However, analysts say that his remarks signal a broadening of Nigeria’s security cooperation with both regional neighbours and international partners as part of a concerted effort to confront complex, evolving threats that have outpaced internal capacities.
Tinubu’s comments came amid renewed violent incidents across various parts of the country, including recent deadly attacks in Plateau State, where dozens were reported killed in raids attributed to armed groups. The President, in his address, said security chiefs had given him strong assurances that ongoing operations were making progress, although he emphasised that the government could not tackle the challenges alone.
His Easter message sought to balance recognition of the hardships Nigerians face with an affirmation of government resolve. Tinubu tied the spirit of Easter — a season symbolising sacrifice, resilience and hope — to the nation’s shared experience of facing economic strain and security threats. He urged citizens to support lawful security efforts and reject any actions that threaten national unity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The confirmation of foreign assistance aligns with a broader pattern of increased international and regional security cooperation. In the capital Abuja just days before the Easter address, President Tinubu hosted Mahamat Idriss Déby, President of Chad, for high‑level talks focusing on joint efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened collaboration, particularly under the Multinational Joint Task Force initiative — a regional security framework involving Lake Chad Basin states formed to counter insurgent networks.
Tinubu described Nigeria and Chad as “critical partners” in the fight against terrorism, underscoring plans to coordinate responses to shared threats and secure their borders. He spoke of a mutual responsibility to ensure the safety and sovereignty of both nations. The visit was widely seen as evidence of deepening regional cooperation and recognition that security challenges do not respect national frontiers.
The President’s remarks echo ongoing Federal Government initiatives to strengthen communication and cooperation across agencies and with neighbouring countries. Officials have emphasised that terrorism and banditry increasingly reflect cross‑border dynamics, especially in the Sahel region, necessitating joint approaches and shared intelligence. Senior information officials noted that deeper engagement with partners like Chad is essential to tackle the influx of extremist elements and coordinate operations effectively.
Nigeria’s foreign engagements in security cooperation go beyond the immediate Lake Chad basin. Earlier this year, high‑level meetings with countries such as Türkiye highlighted broader strategies to enhance bilateral collaboration in areas including border control, law‑enforcement training, and intelligence sharing. These strategic partnerships are designed to tackle transnational crime, irregular migration and internal security challenges, showing an integrated approach to both security and socio‑economic cooperation.
Domestically, the government has also taken additional steps to shore up national security around significant periods. For example, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps mobilised over 57,000 officers nationwide ahead of the Easter celebration to ensure adequate coverage and reinforce protection of critical national assets. This deployment spanned all states and the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting a proactive effort to deter potential threats during a period of heightened public movement.
President Tinubu’s confirmation of foreign support follows several other measures intended to strengthen security responses. Earlier in March, he ordered key security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, the epicentre of insurgent activity in the northeast, to deepen military operations against terror networks. These moves signal a multifaceted strategy that combines local operational focus with broader international and regional cooperation.
Critics and policy analysts have suggested that foreign assistance should be carefully calibrated to ensure that Nigeria maintains operational autonomy while benefiting from external capabilities in training, technology, and intelligence. They argue that effective counter‑terrorism requires not only foreign partnerships but also sustained investment in domestic security infrastructure, community intelligence networks, and socio‑economic development initiatives that address root causes of violence.
For affected communities across northern and central Nigeria, the confirmation of foreign support may offer a sense of hope in a context where insecurity has disrupted lives, livelihoods and local stability for years. However, the success of such cooperation ultimately hinges on coordinated implementation, transparent governance, and a sustained commitment to peace and security by all stakeholders.
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