JUST IN: US steps up support against insecurity, supplies key equipment to Nigerian Military

The United States has supplied critical military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen ongoing security operations across different parts of the country.

The development was announced on Tuesday via a post on X by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
According to the post, U.S. forces delivered essential military supplies to their Nigerian counterparts in Abuja, noting that the support is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s ongoing security efforts and underscoring the strong security partnership between both countries.
The Federal Government had earlier disclosed that the United States reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security collaboration with Nigeria. This cooperation includes improved intelligence sharing, the provision of defence equipment, and other strategic resources to support operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
In November, the Federal Government sent a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C., to strengthen bilateral security ties and explore new areas of cooperation. The delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During the visit, Nigerian officials held meetings with senior representatives from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; as well as two officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
At the meetings, the Nigerian delegation dismissed allegations of genocide in the country, stressing that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic divides. The delegation cautioned against misrepresentations that could further divide the nation and mischaracterise the security situation.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the engagements provided an opportunity to address misconceptions about Nigeria, strengthen mutual trust, and advance a practical, solution-focused partnership with the United States.
According to him, both countries agreed to adopt a non-binding cooperation framework and to set up a Joint Working Group to ensure coordinated implementation of agreed areas of collaboration.
Onanuga added that the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection measures, while the United States expressed readiness to provide complementary assistance, including humanitarian support for affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical backing to enhance early-warning systems.