President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has secured French collaboration on military equipment and support to enhance counter-terrorism efforts during a meeting with governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid‑ul‑Fitr holidays.
The announcement followed Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he held discussions with British officials on security and other bilateral matters.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgencies in the North-East, banditry in North-West and North-Central regions, separatist agitations in the South-East, and widespread kidnapping.
The meeting in Ikoyi came shortly after coordinated bomb blasts in Maiduguri that killed 23 people and injured 108 others, prompting the President to direct security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and oversee counter-terrorism operations.
Tinubu said Nigeria was prepared to leverage goodwill and existing lines of credit to acquire equipment and training for security forces.
He stated, “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.”
The President emphasised that insecurity is a major challenge confronting his administration and requires collective effort.
Tinubu also addressed economic concerns, noting the impact of the Middle East crisis on inflation, transportation, and food prices in Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited victims of the Maiduguri bombings at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and affirmed that the government is investing in equipment and logistics to boost the fight against terrorism.
The agreement with France is intended to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities through training, equipment acquisition, and intelligence support. It reinforces international collaboration in addressing violent extremism in West Africa.
The meeting also served as a platform for Tinubu to encourage governors to prioritise care for vulnerable populations while coordinating security responses across the country.
