US Delivers Critical Military Supplies to Boost Nigeria’s Security Operations

T The United States has delivered critical military supplies to Nigerian security forces in Abuja, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation amid rising threats from terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the development on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, noting that the support was aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s ongoing security operations, particularly in counter-insurgency efforts.

In a post on its official X handle, AFRICOM said: “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja.

This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership.”
Although details of the equipment were not disclosed, the delivery is expected to support operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East, as well as efforts to curb banditry and kidnappings in the North-West.

The development follows joint United States–Nigeria air operations carried out on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State, where suspected ISWAP elements were reportedly neutralised after weeks of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently affirmed that security cooperation with the United States is structured around intelligence sharing and operational coordination, while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Reacting to the collaboration, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore commended Washington’s support for Nigeria, describing it as crucial in protecting vulnerable communities amid widespread violence.

Nigeria has battled a 15-year insurgency in the North-East that has displaced millions, alongside persistent criminal activities by armed gangs in other regions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier appealed for deeper U.S. support in November, following Nigeria’s designation under the International Religious Freedom framework.

Analysts say the latest military assistance signals a renewed commitment by the United States to Nigeria’s security, helping to rebuild defence ties strained in recent years, while strengthening the capacity of Nigerian forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

Source: Punch Newspaper