President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria has secured military support from France as part of renewed efforts to tackle terrorism and other security threats across the country.
The President disclosed this on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, shortly after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. He said the agreement followed a detailed discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Tinubu, the collaboration will focus on the supply of military equipment and support for Nigeria’s armed forces, which are currently engaged in various operations against insurgents and criminal groups.
“I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” the President said.
He added that his administration is also reaching out to other countries to secure similar partnerships, noting that Nigeria is ready to use its existing relationships and financial arrangements to strengthen its military capacity.
“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 said.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for over a decade. In the North-East, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have carried out attacks on communities, military bases, and public facilities.
Other regions have also been affected by insecurity. In the North-West and North-Central, banditry and kidnapping have become widespread, while parts of the South-East have experienced separatist tensions and violence. Across the country, criminal groups have continued to exploit gaps in security.
Tinubu described insecurity as one of the biggest challenges facing his administration, stressing the need for collective action to address it.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face; it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said. “We must ensure that we share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny.”
He highlighted that insecurity remains a major obstacle to development, warning that no country can achieve economic growth or stability without peace.
The President also revealed that discussions on military equipment were a key part of his recent visit to the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in addressing Nigeria’s security needs.
France, which has long been involved in counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region, is considered a key partner in the fight against extremist groups in West Africa. French forces have previously supported operations in countries such as Mali, Niger, and Chad, although their presence in the region has changed in recent years.
At the meeting in Lagos, Tinubu also addressed economic concerns, warning those global developments could have an impact on Nigeria’s economy. He pointed to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East as a factor that could lead to higher inflation and increased cost of living.
“I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation and affect our purchasing power,” he said.
He noted that rising fuel prices could lead to higher transportation costs and increased food prices, adding that labour unions and other groups may respond to the economic pressure.
The President’s comments come at a time when many Nigerians are already facing rising living costs, with inflation affecting basic goods and services.
Despite these challenges, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the governors for attending the meeting at short notice, describing their presence as a sign of unity and commitment.
“I am very surprised at the short notice that this number is extremely impressive. It shows our sincerity, commitment and the value of friendship and togetherness,” he said.
He urged the governors to pay closer attention to vulnerable groups in their states, stressing that more needs to be done to support citizens facing hardship.
“We are all doing well, but we can do better,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as several state governors from across the country.
Tinubu also used the occasion to extend condolences to the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, following recent bomb attacks in Maiduguri.
The attacks, which took place about a week earlier, left at least 23 people dead and more than 100 injured in coordinated explosions. The incident highlighted the continuing threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.
Following the attacks, the President had directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of operations and improve the response to the security situation.
Vice President Shettima also visited victims receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where he assured Nigerians that the government is investing more in equipment and logistics to strengthen the fight against terrorism.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping security forces with modern tools and technology, noting that success in the fight against terrorism depends on both strategy and resources.
“We must defeat terrorism and all of these criminal acts. As our investment in technology and equipment, we must defeat them,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to seek solutions, the President’s latest move signals a stronger push for international cooperation in tackling security challenges.
For many Nigerians, the hope is that these efforts will lead to improved safety, reduced violence, and a more stable environment for economic growth and daily life.