Insecurity: ‘We cannot remain observers’ – Macron opens up on phone discussion with Tinubu

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly confirmed he held a critical telephone conversation with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria battles a surge in terrorism and violent crime  especially in the north.

According to several media outlets, Macron used his verified X account on Sunday to convey France’s solidarity with Nigeria and pledged to deepen cooperation. According to Dailypost

“ I spoke with President Tinubu … I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North,” Macron wrote.

He added: “At his 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.”

Macron’s Promise Means for Nigeria

Macron’s pledge signals a commitment by France to intensify counter-terrorism assistance to Nigeria.

According to reporters, the help may include intelligence sharing, logistical support, training for security forces, and humanitarian aid to communities affected by violence.

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The renewed backing arrives at a pivotal moment. In late November, Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering mass recruitment for police and armed forces, as insecurity  from mass kidnappings to banditry  surged across several states.

Beyond France’s promise, Macron appealed to other global partners to also deepen their engagement with Nigeria. In his words, the fight against growing insecurity “cannot be tackled alone,” calling it a shared responsibility.

Diplomats and security watchers say such cooperation  especially from countries with strong capabilities in intelligence, logistics, and post-conflict support  could provide much-needed reinforcement for Nigeria’s overstretched security apparatus.

For many Nigerians, Macron’s public backing offers a glimmer of hope after months of fear, loss and uncertainty. It also underscores how serious the crisis has become  if a foreign head of state resorts to such direct, urgent appeals, then the pressure on Nigeria’s government is growing.

At the same time, it raises the stakes for effective policy response, transparency in collaboration, and protection for vulnerable communities across the country.

In Macron’s own words, “No one can remain a spectator.” With that declaration, the world’s eyes shift  and all partners must decide whether they will join the effort or remain passive.