By John Umeh
President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday opened a new phase of international engagement on Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, holding a high-level discussion that touched on counter-terrorism, humanitarian support, and expanded defence cooperation.
The conversation came amid heightened global attention on Nigeria, as a United States Congressional delegation arrived in Abuja on a fact-finding mission over allegations of sectarian killings and worsening violence across the country.
Macron: “France Will Not Stand By as Nigeria Battles Terror Threats”
In a message shared on X, Macron revealed that he held a telephone conversation with Tinubu, reassuring him of France’s solidarity and willingness to deepen support.
“I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly terrorism in the North,” Macron said.
“At President Tinubu’s request, France will strengthen its partnership with Nigerian authorities and support affected communities. No one can remain a spectator.”
Macron’s assurance follows waves of school kidnappings and mass attacks that have drawn alarm across the international community.
US Steps In: Fact-Finders Meet NSA Ribadu Amid Global Outcry
While Tinubu spoke with Macron, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu hosted a US fact-finding mission in Abuja led by America’s ambassador to Nigeria and senior Congressional officials.
The visit is tied to a series of hearings and strong statements from Washington following US President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his claims of religiously targeted killings.
Ribadu confirmed that discussions centred on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and strengthening security cooperation.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust and shared commitment to peace,” he said.
US lawmaker Riley Moore, who participated in high-level meetings in Abuja, described his visit as “very productive” but declined to publicly disclose details.
American Officials Quietly Visit Benue Amid Genocide Allegations
In a separate development, the US Assistant Secretary of State and Ambassador Richard Mills paid an unannounced visit to Benue State, meeting Governor Hyacinth Alia, Catholic bishops and traditional rulers.
Though the visit was labelled “private,” local leaders believe it is tied to accusations of religious genocide that have been repeatedly raised before the US Congress.
Prominent Tiv leader, Iorbee Ihagh, said the state should have used the opportunity to show the team sites of mass killings and IDP camps.
“Everyone in Benue believes the ongoing attacks amount to genocide,” he said.
Hope in Niger State as Government Moves to Rescue Schoolchildren
Amid the tension, the Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted in Niger State last month, though official confirmation is still pending.
NSA Ribadu had visited the affected school days earlier, assuring parents that “evil will not win” and that the children would return safely.
Experts and Leaders Warn: Nigeria Approaching Breaking Point
The intensifying violence has triggered renewed calls for structural reforms.
Former presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim accused northern political elites of decades of failed governance that fuelled mass poverty and extremist recruitment.
“This is not the season for symbolism. Nigerians want results,” he said, urging Tinubu and the National Assembly to fast-track laws enabling state and local policing.
Similarly, Prof. Abubakar Siddique of Ahmadu Bello University warned that northern Nigeria’s poverty-insecurity trap threatens national cohesion.
He highlighted alarming statistics:
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65% of Nigeria’s multidimensionally poor live in the North
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Over 10 million Nigerian children are out of school—most of them in northern states
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Youth unemployment exceeds 50% in parts of the region
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Desertification is swallowing 350,000 hectares of land annually
He warned that without urgent reforms, the country’s unity and institutional strength could further erode.
Tributes to Gen. Hassan Katsina at Security Conference
At a memorial conference in Kaduna, retired military chiefs and scholars remembered the contributions of the late General Hassan Katsina, former governor of the Northern Region and wartime administrator.
Speakers praised his integrity, discipline and stabilising role during the Civil War—standards they say are urgently needed in today’s leadership.
