US delivers equipment to NAF for counter-terrorism operations

The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism and other security threats in the region.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday.

According to AFRICOM, the equipment was transported to Nigeria aboard a United States Air Force C-17 aircraft over the weekend under a Foreign Military Sales agreement between the two countries.

The command said the delivery was aimed at further strengthening the security partnership between the United States and Nigeria, while supporting the country’s counter-terrorism operations.

“Partnership in action: A US Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend.

“The equipment is part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement that furthers the US-Nigerian partnership and will aid in Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region,” AFRICOM stated.

The latest delivery comes amid intensified efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country.

Nigeria has continued to rely on international defence partnerships to strengthen the operational capabilities of its armed forces through the acquisition of military equipment, training, intelligence sharing and technical support.

The United States has, in recent years, maintained military cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, professional military education, intelligence cooperation and defence capacity building.

The latest equipment delivery is expected to further enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capabilities as the country sustains its campaign against terrorist groups and other armed security threats.

The development also underscores the growing emphasis on bilateral defence cooperation between Washington and Abuja in addressing security challenges affecting Nigeria and the wider West African region.