By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that France has expressed willingness to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism through the provision of military equipment and training following a lengthy telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Tinubu made this known during a meeting with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the President, Nigeria is ready to leverage its diplomatic goodwill and existing international credit arrangements to secure the necessary military hardware and technical support required to confront the country’s security challenges.
“We are exploring all possible international partnerships to strengthen our security capacity. France has indicated readiness to support Nigeria with military equipment and training following my recent discussion with President Macron,” Tinubu was quoted as saying during the meeting.
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The President stressed that his administration remains determined to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality threatening national stability, noting that improving the operational capacity of the armed forces remains a top priority.
Tinubu also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing modern security threats, describing Nigeria’s relationships with global partners as critical to achieving lasting peace and stability.
Security analysts have consistently argued that Nigeria requires advanced surveillance technology, modern combat equipment, and specialised training to effectively combat insurgency and asymmetric warfare, particularly in the North-East and other troubled regions.
The latest development signals a possible strengthening of defence cooperation between Nigeria and France, which has maintained strategic security interests in West Africa, especially in counter-terrorism operations across the Sahel region.
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Although details of the proposed military support, including the categories of equipment, cost implications, and implementation timeline, were not immediately disclosed, the President assured that his government would continue to pursue practical solutions to safeguard Nigerians.
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The Merit Newspaper reports that the meeting with APC governors also reportedly focused on national security, economic reforms, and the need for continued cooperation between the federal and state governments in addressing pressing national challenges.
Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration would continue to prioritise security as the foundation for economic growth, investment, and national development.
“Our goal is simple — a safe Nigeria where citizens can live, work and invest without fear,” he said.
