The United States has delivered a fresh consignment of military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism and other security threats.
The equipment was delivered over the weekend by a United States Air Force C-17 aircraft to Nigerian Air Force facilities in Lagos and Kainji, according to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
AFRICOM said the delivery was part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement between the United States and Nigeria and was aimed at further strengthening the strategic defence partnership between both countries while supporting Nigerian-led counter-terrorism operations in the region.
The command, in a statement accompanying photographs of the delivery, said the latest consignment was one of several deliveries expected under the agreement.
It stressed that US military support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria was provided at Nigeria’s invitation and was rooted in respect for the country’s sovereignty.
The development comes amid continued security cooperation between Washington and Abuja, with the United States providing Nigeria with military training, equipment and other forms of security assistance over the years to support counter-terrorism and maritime security operations.
The latest delivery also comes against the backdrop of renewed US-Nigeria security cooperation in the fight against terrorist groups and other armed criminal networks operating in the country and the wider West African region.
In February 2026, the US also notified Congress of a proposed $346 million sale of munitions and precision weapons to Nigeria, including MK-82 bombs, Paveway guidance systems and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets, with the US Department of Defense saying the package would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond to terrorist organisations and illicit trafficking.
The United States and Nigeria have maintained a longstanding defence relationship, including the supply of major military platforms, training and technical assistance. The US previously identified active government-to-government Foreign Military Sales cases with Nigeria involving counter-terrorism, maritime security and military professionalisation.
The latest equipment delivery is therefore expected to further enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian military as it continues its campaign against terrorism and other security threats across the country.
