President Bola Tinubu and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Sunday held talks on the security crisis facing the country, touching on areas of collaboration.
The telephone conversation held as a United States delegation comprising the US ambassador to Nigeria and other top officials parleyed with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja, on the reported Christian persecution and killings in the country.
In a message posted on X on Sunday, Macron said he spoke with President Tinubu and affirmed that France will strengthen its partnership with Nigerian authorities.
He wrote, “I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.
“At his (Tinubu’s) request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations.
“We call on all our partners to step up their engagement. No one can remain a spectator,” the French President added.
Macron also stated that, in fulfilment of Tinubu’s request, his government will cooperate with the Federal Government to provide support for the affected populations.
Macron’s statement follows a wave of gun attacks and kidnappings, particularly in schools and communities across the northern region, that have drawn international condemnation.
The French leader’s solidarity comes days after Tinubu swore in a new Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), with a charge to deliver quick results.
Confirming his meeting with the US officials, the NSA disclosed he hosted a US Congressional delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between both countries.
In a message shared on his X handle, Ribadu said the visit followed earlier talks held in Washington, DC, centred on mutual security interests.
“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” he said.
He added that the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also present, a development he said “reflected the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”
According to Ribadu, discussions focused on “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and ways to “strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.”
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.
Also, a member of the US House of Representatives, Riley Moore, said on Sunday that he had concluded a very productive visit to Nigeria, sharing the message in a post on his X account.
“I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people,” Moore wrote.
Announcing the end of his trip, he added, “Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”
Moore did not provide further information about the purpose of the visit or the Nigerian officials he met.
