(DDM) — French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged France’s full support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria faces an intensifying wave of terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings and widespread insecurity across the northern and central regions.
DDM gathered that Macron made the commitment in a public statement on Sunday, confirming that he personally spoke with Tinubu from Paris as Nigeria remains under a national security emergency.
The French leader posted the message on his verified X account, emphasizing France’s solidarity with Nigeria during what he described as a period of mounting terrorist threats.
Macron stated that he had assured Tinubu of France’s readiness to strengthen security cooperation at the Nigerian president’s request.
He further urged global partners not to remain passive as violence continues to surge across Africa’s most populous nation.
The French president declared that France would deepen its partnership with Nigerian authorities and increase humanitarian support for communities suffering from escalating attacks.
Macron added that the international community must mobilize collectively to confront the rising tide of terrorism destabilizing parts of West Africa.
His message comes as Nigeria grapples with a new surge of mass abductions sweeping through schools, communities and religious centres, prompting Tinubu to declare a nationwide state of emergency.
The president announced the move following back-to-back mass kidnappings of schoolchildren and coordinated attacks on civilians in several states.
Tinubu confirmed that the federal government plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers, raising the total to 50,000 as part of a broader push to restore security.
He also authorized the intelligence services to deploy specialised forest guards to secure remote settlements where terrorists and armed groups often operate.
Tinubu said the security situation had reached a critical level that justified constitutional emergency powers.
He added that the government was deploying more personnel to the most vulnerable regions to reassure communities living under daily threats.
Recent attacks in Kebbi and Niger states have intensified national anxiety, with more than 300 students abducted in the latest incidents.
Reports show that 25 students kidnapped in Kebbi were rescued and reunited with their parents after a coordinated security operation.
Authorities continue to search for hundreds taken from Niger State, where local communities remain traumatised by sudden raids and violent assaults.
The insecurity crisis has also drawn international attention following comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Nigerian Christians were under persecution and threatened unilateral intervention.
Trump’s remarks escalated diplomatic tension and created fresh debate about Nigeria’s internal security failures.
Security analysts warn that Tinubu’s plan to increase personnel may not be sufficient without deeper reforms addressing intelligence gaps, porous borders and the growing sophistication of armed groups.
Nigeria has battled Boko Haram, ISWAP militants, bandit networks and armed militias for more than a decade, with thousands killed and millions displaced despite recurring government strategies.
Experts argue that international partnerships, including France’s latest pledge, may help Nigeria build advanced capabilities in surveillance, counterterrorism and rapid-response operations.
Macron’s statement marks one of the strongest public expressions of support from a European leader since Nigeria’s current security emergency began.
Diplomats say the move signals France’s renewed interest in shaping regional stability, especially as extremist groups expand across the Sahel region into West Africa.
The Nigerian government has yet to release detailed plans for how French support will be integrated into ongoing defence operations.
Officials, however, insist that Nigeria remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring that schools, places of worship and rural communities can function without fear.
