President Bola Tinubu on Sunday revealed that Nigeria has secured French collaboration for military equipment and training, following a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday.
The President made the disclosure during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he marked the Eid-el-Fitr holiday after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. Excerpts from his address to the governors highlighted the country’s efforts to strengthen security in the face of rising threats.
“I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support. 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,” Tinubu told the governors.
Describing insecurity as a pressing national challenge, the President urged collective action to overcome terrorism, noting: “The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face; it is the challenge of insecurity in this country. I’m making all the efforts to ensure it is us collectively that we share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny.”
He stressed that insecurity undermines development, progress, and prosperity, and expressed confidence that governors are aware of the magnitude of the threat. Tinubu also confirmed that military equipment acquisition was a key topic during his UK visit. “One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment. I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” he said.
The meeting with governors came shortly after coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri last week, which claimed 23 lives and left 108 people injured. In response, President Tinubu ordered security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee operations and approved additional equipment and support for counter-terrorism efforts. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited victims receiving care at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, assuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to strengthening security logistics.
During his UK visit, Tinubu also met with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussing security cooperation and sealing new export agreements. He emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s partnership with the United Kingdom in combating terrorism across West Africa.
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Addressing economic concerns, the President acknowledged the impact of the Middle East crisis on inflation and purchasing power in Nigeria. “I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation and will affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gathering to support them because of the effect of the Middle East war and prices at the pumps, resulting in transportation problems and food prices,” he said.
Tinubu praised the governors for responding promptly to his invitation, noting their attendance demonstrated sincerity, commitment, and unity. “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. I thank every one of you for what we have been doing,” he remarked.
He further encouraged governors to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable populations, adding that while they are performing well, there is room for improvement. The President also extended condolences to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum over the recent bombings, urging him to return immediately to convey sympathy to affected communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to combating terrorism, Tinubu declared, “We must defeat terrorism and all of these criminal acts. As our investment in technology and equipment, we must defeat them.”
Nigeria continues to face diverse security threats, including the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgencies in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist movements in the South-East, and widespread kidnappings. France has historically cooperated militarily with West African nations and remains engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel, where extremist groups exploit regional security gaps.