France has expressed strong support for Nigeria as the country grapples with worsening insecurity across several regions.
French President Emmanuel Macron publicly affirmed France’s solidarity with President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria struggles with escalating violence, particularly the growing terrorist threat in the northern part of the country.
Macron made the disclosure in a post on his verified X account on Sunday, revealing that he had personally spoken with Tinubu about the situation.
He said he expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in the face of multiple security challenges, especially terrorism in the North. Macron added that at Tinubu’s request, France would strengthen its partnership with Nigerian authorities and increase support for affected communities. He also called on other partners to take action, stressing that no one should remain a bystander.
The call from Paris comes at a critical moment, as Nigeria has declared a national state of emergency following a fresh wave of mass kidnappings, attacks on communities and churches, and rising violence across northern and central regions.
Tinubu announced the emergency measures after two separate mass abductions of schoolchildren and several deadly attacks targeting civilians.
As part of the response, the president approved the recruitment of twenty thousand additional police officers, bringing the total force to fifty thousand. He also authorised intelligence agencies to deploy forest guards to protect remote areas that have become safe havens for armed groups.
In a national address, Tinubu described the situation as a national emergency and said the government was increasing security presence, particularly in areas facing severe threats. He noted that the constitution allows the president to declare emergency measures during times of national crisis.
Nigeria has been under intense pressure following recent attacks by armed groups and comments from United States President Donald Trump, who has raised concerns about the persecution of Christians and issued strong warnings about possible intervention.
Last week, gunmen abducted twenty five students in Kebbi State and more than three hundred others in Niger State. While those taken in Kebbi have since been rescued and reunited with their families, security forces continue to search for the remaining abducted students.
Tinubu has also directed that security be strengthened around schools, churches and mosques in remote communities to prevent further attacks. However, security analysts have cautioned that increasing the number of personnel alone may not be sufficient to reverse the deepening insecurity facing the country.
