Macron Says France Will Reinforce Security Partnership With Nigeria Amid Rising Terror Attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron says France will step up its support for Nigeria as the country faces a surge in terror-related violence across several northern states.

Macron disclosed on Sunday that he had spoken directly with President Bola Tinubu, assuring him of France’s readiness to deepen joint security efforts and expand humanitarian assistance to communities affected by recent attacks.

Speaking through a post shared on X, the French leader said Nigeria’s security crisis required urgent international attention, noting that the scale of violence in the North makes it impossible for global partners to “remain on the sidelines”.

France Responds to Tinubu’s Request for Stronger Partnership

According to Macron, Tinubu specifically requested enhanced collaboration following weeks of escalating incidents. He said France would intensify coordination with Nigerian security agencies and broaden its support for civilians displaced or harmed by extremist groups.

He added that other international stakeholders must also increase their engagement, stressing that confronting terrorism in West Africa demanded collective action rather than isolated national efforts.

The statement comes less than two weeks after Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the armed forces and the police to begin fresh recruitment and expand operational capacity in vulnerable regions.

Attacks Across States Fuel Concerns

Nigeria has faced renewed violence in recent weeks, with deadly attacks and mass abductions recorded across the North-West and North-Central.
Incidents include killings in Kebbi and Kwara states and the kidnapping of more than 300 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, as well as St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.

While some students have regained freedom through escape or rescue efforts, dozens remain unaccounted for, heightening public anxiety and pressure on authorities to restore security.

Macron’s statement reflects growing global concern about the deepening instability in the region. France, which has scaled back military operations in the Sahel following political tensions with several coup-led governments, has been repositioning its security partnerships with coastal West African nations, Nigeria included.

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With Nigeria battling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping on multiple fronts, officials say they hope strengthened cooperation will translate into actionable intelligence, improved operational capacity and better support for affected communities.