Insecurity: France to support Nigeria with equipment, training – Tinubu

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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LAGOS — President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the French Government will provide Nigeria with equipment and training to strengthen security forces in the fight against terrorism.

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Tinubu made the revelation on Sunday while meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) state governors at his Ikoyi residence, following his Eid-el-Fitr prayers. The meeting came shortly after his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he met King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss security cooperation and trade agreements.

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The President said he secured French support during a phone call with President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, noting that Nigeria is ready to leverage its goodwill and existing lines of credit to acquire the necessary resources.

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“I can report that in a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, France agreed to collaborate with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said. “I am making efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those willing to support us with equipment and training.”

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Highlighting insecurity as the administration’s major challenge, Tinubu urged collective effort to overcome terrorism, describing it as “an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity.”

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The meeting with governors followed the recent Maiduguri bomb blasts that killed 23 people and injured 108. Tinubu directed security chiefs, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to relocate to Maiduguri to manage the situation and approved additional operational support.

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Tinubu also addressed economic concerns, warning that the Middle East crisis could impact inflation, transportation, and food prices. He commended the governors for attending the emergency meeting on short notice, praising their commitment and cooperation.

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Extending condolences to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using technology, equipment, and strategic coordination to defeat terrorism and secure Nigeria.

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