• Macron says France will reinforce cooperation at Tinubu’s request
• Announcement follows rising attacks, abductions, and jihadist violence
• Nigeria boosts security forces as bilateral ties with France deepen

French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris will strengthen its partnership with Nigerian authorities to address the country’s mounting security challenges, especially the terrorist threat in the north.

In a message posted on his X account on December 7, 2025, he said the decision followed a request from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during a conversation between the two leaders. Macron urged partners to mobilize, stating that no one should remain a spectator.

The announcement comes amid a surge in terrorist attacks, violence, and mass abductions in Nigeria. Since early November, nearly 402 people, mainly students, have been kidnapped across four central and northern states, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Armed gangs continue to carry out frequent attacks in the northwest and central regions.

Jihadist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have intensified their operations in 2025, stepping up assaults on civilians and security forces, particularly in their strongholds in Yobe and Borno States. Zamfara State in the northwest has become the center of violent attacks by armed groups.

In response, Tinubu declared a security state of emergency and ordered the reinforcement of security forces, including the recruitment of nearly 50,000 additional personnel. On Monday, December 8, he also announced the release of 100 students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State in central Nigeria.

Paris ended its military presence in several West African countries in recent years, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, amid growing opposition to French troops. Macron has since outlined a new Africa strategy that reduces French deployments, increases African personnel, and expands training, support, and equipment. Supporting Nigeria would allow France to maintain a security footprint in the region.

Bilateral ties between Nigeria and France have deepened in recent years. The two countries have expanded economic cooperation through financial loans and collaboration against financial crime and cybercrime. In 2024, Nigeria was France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with €4.9 billion in trade.

Lydie Mobio