Amid escalating security challenges across Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Emmanuel Macron spoke on Sunday in a bid to strengthen international cooperation and tackle the unfolding security crisis. The call came at a time when a U.S. delegation including the American ambassador to Nigeria and other senior officials met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja to begin a fact-finding mission into recent killings and alleged religious persecution.
During their discussion, Macron reaffirmed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in confronting mounting threats, particularly terrorism in the country’s northern region. He pledged to deepen France’s partnership with Nigerian authorities and support communities affected by violence. “At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations,” Macron said, urging global allies to step up their engagement and stressing that no one can remain a spectator as Nigeria battles insecurity.
The U.S. delegation, which also included lawmakers on a congressional fact-finding mission, focused their talks on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability and broadening strategic security ties between the two nations. Ribadu described the visit as part of a series of ongoing security consultations that began in Washington, D.C., signalling growing international concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
The engagement between Tinubu, Macron, and the U.S. delegation follows a spike in violence: mass kidnappings, attacks on schools, and armed raids have escalated in recent weeks, especially across northern states. In response, Tinubu earlier declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered expanded recruitment into the armed forces and police. He also directed security agencies to prioritise the protection of schools, farms and places of worship, while urging state governors to bolster early-warning systems at the local level.
Observers view the international outreach through both diplomatic channels and security collaborations as a strategic effort by Nigeria’s leadership to rally foreign support and resources to help stem the tide of violence. Many hope that the renewed cooperation will lead to tangible improvements in security, restore public confidence, and safeguard vulnerable populations across the country.