French President Emmanuel Macron has assured President Bola Tinubu of France’s renewed commitment to boosting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity, following discussions between both leaders.
Macron, in a statement posted on Sunday, said he conveyed France’s solidarity with Nigeria as the country confronts multiple security pressures, especially the persistent terrorist activities in the northern region.
He revealed that France would be expanding its collaboration with Nigerian authorities, including further assistance to communities affected by violent extremism.
Macron also urged global partners to intensify their involvement, stressing that the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa demands collective action.
“At President Tinubu’s request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations,” Macron said. “We call on all our partners to step up their engagement. No one can remain a spectator.”
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His comments make him the first major world leader to publicly address Nigeria’s security concerns following the recent designation of the country by U.S.
President Donald Trump as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
France and Nigeria continue to maintain a robust defense cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism training, intelligence sharing, technology transfer, and maritime security operations across the Gulf of Guinea.