France President, Macron Extends Support To Nigeria On Fight Against Terrorism

French President, Emmanuel Macron, has pledged to deepen France’s support for Nigeria in addressing the growing security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the northern region.

In a post on 𝕏, shared on Sunday, Macron revealed that he had engaged in a conversation with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, during which he expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in its battle against terrorism and other security concerns.

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

He emphasised France’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigerian authorities and to offering greater support to affected populations. Macron also called on other international partners to intensify their efforts in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

“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,” the French President stated.

The commitment comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating terrorist activities in the northern regions and other parts of Nigeria, with both the government and international partners focusing on expanding cooperation to ensure the safety and security of citizens

Bandits in the early hours of Saturday launched a deadly attack on worshippers observing the Subh prayer in Kiba Ruwa, a community in the Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to local sources who spoke with Egbe Mekun Parrots, the assailants stormed the mosque at dawn, opening fire on the congregants.

Two people including the imam who was leading the prayer were confirmed dead.

Several worshippers were also abducted during the assault, with the exact number yet to be verified.

Security agencies have reportedly been alerted, while residents remain in a state of fear as search and rescue efforts begin.

In neighbouring Kebbi State, bandits weeks ago attacked the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, where 26 schoolgirls were abducted.

All soldiers previously stationed at the school had been summoned to Abuja for interrogation as part of efforts to determine why the security post was vacated shortly before the attack.

Previously, SaharaReporters reported that Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi, expressed alarm over what he described as the “withdrawal of military personnel” from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before bandits stormed the facility and abducted several students.

The governor said the situation was particularly disturbing because the state had earlier received intelligence warning of a possible attack and had immediately convened a security meeting to address the threat.

“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting,” NAN quoted the governor as saying.

“The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.

“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3am, and by 3:45am, the incident happened.”

Idris also said the state had demanded a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the withdrawal of troops.

“Who authorised the military to withdraw?” How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” the governor said.

The Maga District Head, Muhammad Dantani, also raised serious concerns over the role of the Nigerian military in the recent attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, where armed bandits killed a staff member and abducted 25 students.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has categorically denied allegations that he is involved in financing terrorism, describing the claim as “mischievous” and “malicious.”

In a statement issued on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele strongly rejected reports linking him to terrorism financing, calling the accusations “fabricated” and “baseless.”

The statement emphasised that the allegations were a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and mislead the public for unclear motives.

Emefiele expressed deep concern over the growing trend of irresponsible reporting, especially on such a serious matter as terrorism financing.

He stated that the fight against terrorism should not be trivialised, and that the Nigerian public deserves better than the “reckless misinformation” being peddled by some media outlets.

According to Emefiele, “Throughout my service to the nation or even in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation.

“I have also Never been invited, questioned or investigated on any allegation of terrorism financing. I have also never met or had any interaction with the person who granted that interview.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation, and I insist that the allegation is the product of pure mischief crafted by misguided elements for their despicable motives.

“While I urge the public to disregard the publication in its entirety, I also urge the press to refrain from publishing falsehoods and sensational claims without evidence or due diligence and verification of facts.”