Security crisis: Tinubu, Macron hold talks as US fact-finders arrive
Tinubu, Macron Hold Security Talks as International Pressure Mounts Over Nigeria’s Crisis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday held a crucial telephone conversation focused on Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, signalling deeper international engagement in combating terrorism, kidnappings and religious violence across the country.
The discussion came as a high-powered United States delegation visited National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja to address concerns over alleged Christian persecution and mass killings in parts of Nigeria.
France Pledges Stronger Support for Nigeria
In a message shared on X, President Macron announced that France would ramp up its support to Nigeria following President Tinubu’s request for enhanced collaboration.
Macron wrote:
“I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North. At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and support for affected populations. No one can remain a spectator.”
This renewed partnership comes amid rising attacks, school abductions and mass kidnappings across northern Nigeria—incidents that have drawn global condemnation.
US Delegation Meets Ribadu Over Religious Violence Claims
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and a Congressional delegation met NSA Ribadu as Washington intensifies scrutiny on Nigeria’s security and human rights situation.
Ribadu confirmed the meeting, noting that both countries discussed counter-terrorism, regional stability and strengthening strategic security partnerships.
He said:
“I’m optimistic that this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration and shared commitment to peace and security.”
US lawmaker Riley Moore also confirmed his visit, calling it a “very productive engagement”, though he did not disclose details.
US Intensifies Pressure After Trump’s Claims of Christian Persecution
The Tinubu–Macron discussion comes against the backdrop of intensified US scrutiny after former US President Donald Trump recently accused Nigeria of genocide against Christians and threatened military intervention.
The US re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, prompting fact-finding missions and hearings by US lawmakers.
The Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed claims of religious persecution, insisting the insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith.
US Officials Visit Benue Amid Claims of Genocide
In a related development, US officials visited Benue State, meeting Governor Hyacinth Alia, Catholic bishops, and the Tiv paramount ruler, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse.
Though labelled a “private visit,” observers believe the trip was connected to allegations of genocide, particularly after the Yelwata attack in which about 200 people were killed.
While Governor Alia denied claims of genocide, local leaders insisted that the killings amount to “systematic extermination.”
100 Kidnapped Niger Schoolchildren Reportedly Released
Meanwhile, reports emerged that the Federal Government had secured the release of 100 abducted schoolchildren from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State—though officials had not confirmed the development at press time.
The rescue comes one week after NSA Ribadu visited the school and assured parents that President Tinubu had intensified military operations to recover all abducted victims.
Security Analysts Blame Northern Elites for Rising Insecurity
Former presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticized Northern political elites for decades of governance failures that, he said, created fertile ground for extremist recruitment.
Hashim commended the appointment of Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), describing it as a crucial opportunity that “must deliver immediate results.”
He warned that Nigerians are tired of rhetoric:
“This is not the season for symbolism. Nigerians want action.”
Professor Warns: Northern Insecurity Threatens Nigeria’s Stability
Professor Abubakar Siddique of Ahmadu Bello University raised alarms at a Kaduna conference, stating that the North’s multidimensional poverty and worsening insecurity pose a grave threat to national stability.
He revealed that:
- 65% of Nigeria’s poor live in the North
- 10 million Nigerian children are out of school—60% in northern states
- Youth unemployment exceeds 50% in parts of the region
- 350,000 hectares of land are lost to desertification annually
Siddique warned that Nigeria is trapped in a dangerous cycle of poverty and insecurity that could undermine national unity if urgent action is not taken.
Tributes to Gen. Hassan Katsina
Retired military leaders paid glowing tributes to the late General Hassan Katsina, former Northern Region Governor and Chief of Army Staff, praising his integrity and contributions to national unity during the Civil War.
He was remembered as:
“A prince among soldiers and a soldier among princes.”
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