Nigeria Says US to Deliver Long-Awaited Military Hardware to Boost Security Efforts

Nigeria says the United States has agreed to deliver military equipment it bought over the past five years, including drones and helicopters, following renewed security talks between both countries. The pledge comes after high-level meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation despite earlier tensions over religious freedom concerns. As Nigeria battles a worsening security crisis marked by terrorism and mass kidnappings, officials say the partnership with the US is helping to boost efforts to protect communities and respond quickly to threats.

Nigeria’s government announced on Friday that the United States has pledged to deliver military equipment that Nigeria purchased over the last five years but has not yet received. The promised supplies include drones, helicopters, operational platforms, spare parts, and a range of support systems intended to strengthen the capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies. This development follows a high-level meeting in Abuja between a delegation from the United States and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries in the area of security and defense.
After the meeting, Information Minister Ibrahim Idris addressed the public and reassured Nigerians that the partnership between Nigeria and the United States is producing tangible results. He emphasized that the discussions showed clear progress and that both countries are committed to working closely together to confront shared security challenges. Idris explained that this was the third high-level engagement between officials from Nigeria and the United States since November, indicating sustained diplomatic efforts to improve relations and resolve outstanding issues affecting cooperation.
One of the central matters discussed during the talks was Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern, a congressional classification applied to countries accused of serious violations of religious freedom and oppression. This designation had previously caused diplomatic tension and affected aspects of bilateral relations. However, recent developments suggest that both sides are now moving beyond the fallout by rebuilding trust and strengthening collaboration, particularly in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The growing cooperation was further demonstrated on December 25, when the United States launched airstrikes on Nigerian territory targeting Daesh positions in northwestern Sokoto State. The operation marked a significant step in joint counter-terrorism efforts and signaled Washington’s willingness to provide direct military support to Nigeria. Idris said Nigeria is acting decisively to confront insecurity, stressing that security agencies have been given clear instructions to protect citizens, secure vulnerable communities, and respond swiftly and firmly to threats wherever they arise.
Nigeria remains in the grip of a prolonged and complex security crisis involving insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence, with successive governments facing intense scrutiny over their ability to restore peace and stability. The seriousness of the situation was highlighted on Sunday when more than 150 worshippers were abducted at the same time from three churches during church services in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kaduna State. The mass abduction shocked the nation and underscored the urgent need for stronger security measures and international support to protect civilians and bring lasting stability to the affected regions.