By Micah Jonah
March 23, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria has successfully secured collaboration from France on military equipment and operational support, following discussions with French President, Emmanuel Macron during a recent meeting. The disclosure came during a session with state governors at his Ikoyi residence, Lagos, where he also observed Eid-el-Fitr after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
Speaking to the Governors, Tinubu said the French partnership would help strengthen Nigeria’s security forces in the fight against terrorism. “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 further explained that Nigeria was prepared to leverage its goodwill and existing lines of credit to acquire the necessary equipment and training.
Highlighting insecurity as the administration’s next major challenge, Tinubu emphasised that collective action is critical to overcoming the threat. “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 that collectively we share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny,” he said.
The President also warned that insecurity undermines development and progress. He urged governors to remain vigilant and focus on the welfare of vulnerable citizens in their states. He extended condolences to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum over the recent bombings and called on him to immediately convey sympathy to affected communities.
During his state visit to the UK, Tinubu discussed military equipment acquisition and deepened security cooperation with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Nigeria also signed new export agreements with the UK, reinforcing the country’s strategic partnerships.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the governors’ meeting, visited victims of the Maiduguri bomb blasts last week, which claimed 23 lives and left over 100 injured. He assured Nigerians that beyond presidential directives, the federal government is investing heavily in equipment and logistics to strengthen counter-terrorism operations.
Tinubu’s address highlighted the broad scope of insecurity across the country, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgencies in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist agitation in the South-East, and widespread kidnappings. France has historically collaborated with West African nations on counter-terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, and the new support is expected to boost Nigeria’s operational capabilities.
The President praised the governors for responding to his last-minute invitation, describing their attendance as a demonstration of commitment and unity. He also reiterated his administration’s determination to invest in technology and equipment to defeat terrorism and other criminal threats nationwide. “We must defeat terrorism and all of these criminal acts. As our investment in technology and equipment, we must defeat them,” he declared.
With these developments, Nigeria seeks to strengthen its security posture, enhance operational readiness, and reassure citizens that terrorism will not undermine national progress.
