By Eniola Amadu
Reactions from Nigerians have continued to trail the promise of French President Emmanuel Macron stating France’s solidarity with Nigeria amid growing security challenges it is facing.
In a message posted on Sunday via his X handle, Macron said he expressed France’s solidarity as Nigeria confronts “various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.”
He noted that France will scale up its collaboration with Nigerian authorities and extend additional assistance to communities affected by violence.
“I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.
“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 wrote.
His remarks, however, generated a wave of mixed reactions, with some netizens expressing skepticism and displeasure over France’s renewed interest in Nigeria’s security situation while others commended the French president.
A user identified as DaveOrei reacted sharply, saying: “You’ve lost almost all francophone countries in Africa and you want to replace them with Nigeria. It won’t work,” signaling strong disapproval of Macron’s gesture.
Another user, @RealQueenBee__, commented: “France has no business in Nigeria and West Africa at large. France is more of a problem than a solution. Fix your domestic problem first.”
Similarly, @SABIBKAKI berated the French president, saying: “@EmmanuelMacron we don’t need [you] in Nigeria or Africa. You looked the other way while Christian genocide surged. Suddenly because @realDonaldTrump shined the beam on the ongoing jihad in Nigeria, you want to suddenly show care? You’re disgusting.”
Also reacting, @EdiriQX wrote an open message addressed to Macron, expressing distrust over France’s involvement in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
“Dear Macron, we don’t need your support in this fight against terrorism and corruption. The fundamental problems facing Nigeria started with our corrupt leaders in government and these leaders are now your friends and associates.
“How can you advise those that are in the same situation as you? Bro, face your country’s challenges and leave us all to face our corrupt leaders,” the user wrote.
Others hail
Despite the heavy criticisms, some Nigerians have welcomed Macron’s pledge, describing it as a positive step toward regional stability.
“This is a commendable show of leadership and partnership. We sincerely appreciate President @EmmanuelMacron’s commitment to strengthening cooperation for Nigeria’s security and stability. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient region. Thank you, HE,” wrote @moore_ojo.
Another user, @SAsekome, emphasised the importance of international collaboration, saying: “We appreciate every support we can get right now. We will appreciate collaborations in areas of intelligence sharing and surveillance, these collaborations produce even more results than a military invasion of our land. Thank you for your attention to this matter President @EmmanuelMacron.”
Emmanuel Macron’s support comes during a surge in insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country.
Recall that this paper on December 1, 2025, reported Tinubu’s declaration of ‘war on insecurity‘
