French President Emmanuel Macron has signalled a significant strengthening of France’s partnership with Nigeria in combating terrorism, following a phone call with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Macron’s message, conveyed via his social media platform today, Sunday, 07 December 2025, underscored the urgency of the security situation in Nigeria and the Sahel, warning that the global community cannot afford to be passive.
The high-level call comes just hours after an attempted military coup was foiled in neighbouring Benin Republic, a country central to Nigeria’s regional stability and maritime security.
President Macron’s statement highlighted France’s commitment to increased support for Nigeria, particularly in the face of escalating threats from banditry and insurgent groups.
“I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North,” Macron wrote. He affirmed that France would “strengthen our partnership” with Nigerian authorities.
The French President explicitly stated that the enhanced support, which will include resources and assistance for affected populations, was made “at his (Tinubu’s) request.”
The critical takeaway, “No one can remain a spectator,” is a direct appeal to other international partners, urging them to step up their engagement to stabilize the volatile West African region, which has seen numerous coups since 2020.
The timing of the call is highly significant, framed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent diplomatic and security activities.
As the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Tinubu has taken a firm stance against the wave of military takeovers. The foiled coup in Benin, a key coastal ally, underscores the widespread security vulnerability in the region.
Nigeria recently appointed General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence, signaling a shift toward more kinetic and strategic military leadership to tackle domestic terrorism and kidnappings.
France has a long history of military presence and engagement in the Sahel through operations like Barkhane, though its forces have recently been asked to leave countries like Niger and Mali following successful coups. The focus is now shifting to direct, bilateral support with stable partners like Nigeria and Benin.
The renewed commitment from Paris is expected to translate into increased intelligence sharing, military training, and the supply of specialized equipment to aid the Nigerian Armed Forces in their counter-terrorism campaigns.
