LAGOS — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the French Government will provide Nigeria with critical military equipment and specialised training to bolster the country’s fight against terrorism.
The President disclosed this on Sunday during a meeting with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Ikoyi residence, shortly after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers. The engagement followed his recent two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he held high-level talks with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Rishi Sunak on security cooperation and trade.
Tinubu revealed that the agreement with France was reached during a phone conversation with Emmanuel Macron, noting that Nigeria is prepared to utilise existing goodwill and credit facilities to acquire the needed defence resources.
“I can report that in a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, France agreed to collaborate with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said. “We are also engaging other nations. If necessary, we will leverage our goodwill and lines of credit to secure equipment and training.”
Describing insecurity as the most pressing challenge facing his administration, the President called for a united front against terrorism, which he labelled “an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity.”
The meeting comes in the wake of the recent Maiduguri bomb blasts, which left 23 people dead and 108 others injured. In response, Tinubu directed security chiefs led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate response efforts, while approving additional operational support.
Addressing economic concerns, Tinubu also warned that tensions in the Middle East could trigger inflationary pressures, affecting transportation and food prices across Nigeria.
He commended the APC governors for their swift response to the emergency meeting and extended condolences to Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, Tinubu pledged to deploy advanced technology, enhanced equipment, and strategic coordination to defeat terrorism and restore lasting security nationwide.