President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that the French government has pledged to support Nigeria with equipment and training for its security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Tinubu made this known on Sunday during a meeting with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr holidays following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
During the visit, the President held talks with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with discussions focusing on trade and security cooperation. Nigeria and the UK also explored new export agreements, while Tinubu emphasised the importance of bilateral collaboration in tackling terrorism in West Africa.
He said further commitments were secured from France during a telephone conversation with President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday.
According to him, Nigeria is prepared to leverage its goodwill and existing lines of credit to acquire critical military equipment and enhance the capacity of its security forces.
“I can report to you that, again yesterday, during a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, they pledged collaboration with us on equipment and support,” Tinubu said.
“I am making efforts to reach other nations. If we have to utilise our goodwill and line of credit, we have partners willing to support us with equipment and training.”
The President described insecurity as the foremost challenge facing his administration and called for collective action to overcome it.
“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity. We must work together to achieve victory,” he said, adding that insecurity remains “an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity.”
Tinubu returned to Nigeria in the early hours of Friday and later observed Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks, Ikoyi.
The meeting with APC governors comes days after coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which left at least 23 people dead and 108 others injured.
In response, Tinubu directed security chiefs, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of operations, while also approving additional equipment and operational support for counter-terrorism efforts.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was scaling up investments in security infrastructure, logistics, and technology to combat terrorism nationwide.
At the meeting, Tinubu also raised concerns over the potential economic impact of the Middle East crisis, warning of rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
“I know the Middle East crisis will trigger inflation and affect our purchasing power, with implications for fuel prices, transportation, and food costs,” he said.
The President commended the governors for honouring his invitation at short notice, describing their turnout as a demonstration of commitment and unity. He also urged them to prioritise support for vulnerable populations in their states.
Extending condolences to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum over the recent attacks, Tinubu called for continued solidarity with affected communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, the President said: “We must defeat terrorism and all forms of criminality. With sustained investment in technology and equipment, we will overcome.”
