President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria has secured fresh military support from France following a high-level telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, as the country grapples with renewed terrorist attacks.
Speaking on Sunday in Lagos while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, Tinubu said the discussion with Macron focused on strengthening security cooperation, including the provision of defence equipment and strategic support.
The development comes in the wake of deadly explosions in Maiduguri, where at least 23 people were killed last Monday in coordinated bomb attacks. The blasts occurred around 7 p.m. on March 16, targeting the Post Office area, the busy Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Describing insecurity as a critical challenge facing his administration, Tinubu said efforts are ongoing to deepen international partnerships to tackle terrorism and restore stability.
“Insecurity remains the next phase of our struggle. It threatens development, progress, and prosperity, and we must confront it decisively,” the president stated.
He revealed that beyond France, discussions during his recent visit to the United Kingdom also centred on securing military equipment and support, adding that Nigeria is engaging multiple countries to bolster its security architecture.
Tinubu urged state governors to remain committed to policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare while supporting federal efforts to combat criminal activities nationwide. He also called for increased attention to vulnerable populations, warning that the ongoing Middle East crisis could worsen inflation and reduce purchasing power.
According to him, rising global tensions may push up energy and transportation costs, making it necessary for state governments to introduce measures that cushion the economic impact on citizens.
The president commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for visiting Borno State to commiserate with victims of the attacks and assured residents of enhanced protection through the deployment of advanced security technologies.
Tinubu recently returned from a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he met with King Charles III and held talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on bilateral relations and investment opportunities.
Also speaking at the gathering, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised the president’s leadership and reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to addressing insecurity.
He noted that discussions on the establishment of state police are ongoing, with proposals expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly to create a legal framework for its implementation.
The meeting was attended by governors from across the country, alongside senior government officials, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between federal and state authorities in tackling Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
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