The United States has delivered another batch of military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and support Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism and other security threats.
The equipment was transported to Nigeria by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement between Washington and Abuja.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the delivery in a post on its official X account on Thursday, describing it as a demonstration of the growing security partnership between the two countries.
“Partnership in Action: A U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend,” AFRICOM said.
The command added that the equipment was supplied under an FMS agreement aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria security partnership and supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
The latest delivery further underscores the expanding defence relationship between Washington and Abuja, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront terrorist and criminal networks across several parts of the country.
The U.S. military, however, did not disclose the nature of the equipment delivered.
In August 2025, the United States approved a possible $346 million FMS deal for Nigeria involving munitions, precision bombs, precision rockets and related equipment.
In January 2026, U.S. forces also delivered what they described as “critical military supplies” to Nigerian partners in Abuja to support ongoing operations.
The latest delivery is the second reported shipment of military equipment to Nigeria since the approval of the FMS package.
Nigeria has continued to pursue stronger international defence partnerships as its armed forces sustain operations against terrorist and criminal groups in the North-East, North-West and other conflict-affected areas.
AFRICOM’s announcement indicates continued U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to improve its military capabilities and counter terrorism, while reinforcing Washington’s broader strategic security partnership with Abuja.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its efforts to address Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
The UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dame Sarah Macintosh, gave the commendation during a meeting with Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, at the Nigeria Mission House in New York.
According to a statement by the Office of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the meeting focused on Nigeria’s security and economic development, bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries within the UN system.
The diplomats also exchanged views on border stability and other areas of mutual interest, with emphasis on strengthening Nigeria-UK cooperation.
Macintosh and Ibrahim agreed on the need for sustained engagement between both countries, particularly on issues of mutual interest and international cooperation.
The British envoy congratulated Ibrahim on his posting to New York and his election as Chairman of the UN Fifth Committee, which oversees the administrative and budgetary affairs of the United Nations.
Macintosh said Ibrahim’s new position presented an opportunity to deepen engagement among Nigeria, the UK and other UN member states.
Ibrahim thanked the British envoy for the visit and expressed appreciation for the continued diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Britain.
The meeting also provided an avenue for both diplomats to review developments in Nigeria and explore prospects for further strengthening relations between Abuja and London.
