France Backs Tinubu as Nigeria Faces Growing Terror Threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s steadfast support for Nigeria as the country grapples with escalating security challenges, particularly the growing terrorist threat across its northern region.

In a message posted on his verified X account on Sunday, Macron revealed that he had spoken directly with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey France’s solidarity.

“I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria @officialABAT. I expressed France’s solidarity with him in the face of various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North,” Macron wrote.

He added that, at Tinubu’s request, France would deepen its cooperation with Nigerian authorities and expand assistance to communities affected by violence. “We call on all our partners to mobilize. No one should remain a bystander,” the statement read.

Macron’s declaration comes at a critical time for Nigeria, which is currently under a nationwide state of emergency following a resurgence of mass kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and assaults on churches across the northern and central regions.

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President Tinubu recently announced the emergency measures after two large-scale abductions of schoolchildren and a series of deadly attacks on civilians. In response, he unveiled plans to recruit 20,000 additional police officers—bringing the force to 50,000—and authorized the intelligence services to deploy forest guards to protect remote and vulnerable communities.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said, noting that the constitution empowers the president to declare such measures during periods of national crisis.

The country has come under increased international attention following recent mass kidnappings, including the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and more than 300 in Niger State. While the victims in Kebbi have been rescued and reunited with their families, security forces are still searching for the remaining abductees.

Nigeria is also facing heightened political pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump accused the government of failing to protect Christian communities and threatened potential intervention—a claim that has intensified scrutiny of the country’s deteriorating security landscape.

Tinubu has ordered enhanced protection for schools, churches, and mosques, particularly in remote areas vulnerable to militant attacks. However, analysts warn that increasing personnel alone may not be enough to stem the rising wave of insecurity without broader reforms and improved intelligence coordination.