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Nigeria Receives U.S. Military Aid to Strengthen Fight Against Banditry

Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry have gained momentum after the United States provided crucial military supplies to the Nigerian Armed Forces. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the delivery in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, noting that the equipment was handed over to Nigerian authorities in Abuja.

AFRICOM emphasized that the supplies would bolster Nigeria’s ongoing operations and reinforce the security partnership between the two nations. The post also referenced the United States Mission in Nigeria, highlighting the collaborative nature of the support.

This development comes after diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the U.S. in late 2025. In November of that year, President Bola Tinubu’s administration formally sought military assistance from the U.S. to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. The request followed the U.S. government’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to religious freedom concerns.

Shortly after the appeal, a joint operation was reported on December 25, 2025, involving airstrikes against terrorist targets in the North-West, conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces. The Nigerian government later acknowledged the operation as part of broader security and intelligence cooperation with the U.S.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to collaborating with international partners to tackle security threats. It emphasized structured cooperation with the U.S., focusing on intelligence sharing, strategic planning, and operational support—all conducted within the framework of international law, respect for sovereignty, and shared security commitments.