Tinubu, Macron Discuss Terror Threat Amid US Probe

President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron have held high-level discussions regarding Nigeria’s security crisis. These talks occurred on Sunday amid a simultaneous visit by a United States delegation. The US team met with security chiefs and conducted a fact-finding mission to Benue State to investigate allegations of religious persecution.

During a telephone conversation, President Macron assured Tinubu of France’s solidarity. He committed to strengthening partnerships with Nigerian authorities. Writing on the platform X, the French leader stated that France would step up support for populations affected by the terrorist threat in Northern Nigeria. Furthermore, he called on other international partners to increase their engagement.

“No one can remain a spectator,” Macron asserted.

US Delegation and International Pressure

This diplomatic activity follows heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s internal security. In early November, US President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern regarding religious freedom. Citing allegations of genocide against Christians, he threatened military intervention.

Against this backdrop, a US Congressional delegation led by Representative Riley Moore held strategic meetings in Abuja. The team included Assistant Secretary of State and US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu confirmed he hosted the delegation. They discussed counter-terrorism cooperation and regional stability. Ribadu noted that the visit built upon earlier engagements in Washington, D.C.

The Benue Visit and Genocide Debate

On Saturday, the US delegation visited Benue State. This visit highlighted the intense debate surrounding religious violence in the region. The team met with Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Catholic Bishops of Makurdi and Katsina-Ala, and the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse.

The visit aimed to assess claims of religious persecution. Previously, the Tor Tiv described the crisis in the state as “genocide,” specifically citing the Yelwata attack which killed approximately 200 people. Similarly, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe has addressed the US Congress twice in 2025 regarding attacks on Christians.

However, Governor Alia publicly rejected the genocide label. Speaking at a recent forum, the Governor, a Catholic priest, asserted that Benue does not suffer from religious or ethnic genocide. While the state government described the US visit as private, local socio-cultural leaders criticized this approach. Led by Iorbee Ihagh, they argued that the government should have taken the delegation to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to witness the devastation firsthand.

Breakthrough in Niger State Abduction

Amidst these diplomatic engagements, reports emerged regarding the St. Mary’s Private Catholic School abduction. The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from the school in Papiri, Niger State.

Gunmen stormed the remote community on November 21, 2025. They seized 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers. While 50 pupils escaped initially, 265 remained in captivity. This release follows assurances given by NSA Ribadu a week prior. Currently, authorities have not officially confirmed the release.

Domestic Calls for Reform

Domestically, pressure is mounting on Northern political elites. Former presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim issued a statement on Sunday blaming the worsening insecurity on decades of failed governance.

Hashim argued that deep poverty has fuelled extremist recruitment. He urged the new Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), to deliver immediate results. Furthermore, Hashim criticized current leaders for living extravagantly amidst mass poverty. He called for the creation of state and local police to build a stronger security culture.

Supporting this view, Prof. Abubakar Siddique of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, issued a stark warning. He noted that the North has become the epicentre of multidimensional poverty. According to Siddique, 65 per cent of Nigeria’s poor reside in the region.

Speaking at a recent conference, Siddique noted that 10 million children are out of school. Additionally, youth unemployment in some northern areas exceeds 50 per cent. He described a “poverty-insecurity trap” where economic stagnation fuels insurgencies like Boko Haram, threatening national stability.