Nigeria’s government announced that the United States will begin delivering military equipment Nigeria purchased over the past five years, including drones, helicopters and support systems.
The commitment came after high-level talks in Abuja between Nigerian security officials and a US delegation led by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
This move comes despite the US previously designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues and reflects renewed cooperation on counter-terrorism.
The equipment deliveries are part of broader engagement to tackle violent insurgent groups and armed gangs that plague parts of northern Nigeria.
The US and Nigerian military have already collaborated on operations against extremist groups in the northwest.
Nigerian authorities stressed the need to protect communities and enhance response capabilities, particularly following recent kidnappings and banditry incidents.
While the partnership signals strengthened security ties with the United States, critics caution that hardware alone cannot address Nigeria’s deep-seated insecurity and must be coupled with political solutions, community engagement and socio-economic strategies.
