US Delivers Fresh Military Equipment To Nigerian Air Force
The United States has delivered fresh military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the delivery in a post on X on Thursday, saying the equipment arrived aboard a US Air Force C-17 aircraft.
According to AFRICOM, the supplies were delivered under a foreign military sales agreement between Washington and Abuja.
The command said the equipment would support Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism and further strengthen the security partnership between both countries.
The latest development comes amid recent discussions surrounding the presence of US military personnel in Nigeria and continued cooperation between both countries on security matters.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters had earlier clarified that the reported withdrawal of about 200 US personnel would not affect the country’s security relationship with Washington.
Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. S. Uba, made this known Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing.
Uba explained that the personnel movement was a mission-specific adjustment linked to particular operational and counterterrorism requirements.
He stressed that the development should not be regarded as a breakdown or termination of the longstanding security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the Nigeria-United States security partnership,” he said.
The military spokesman said cooperation between the two countries remained strong, with intelligence sharing, training, information exchange and other forms of professional military support continuing.
He added that Nigeria remained primarily responsible for defending its territory and protecting its citizens, while US assistance was designed to strengthen the capabilities of the Nigerian military.
“Our cooperation with the United States is designed to strengthen our capabilities through intelligence sharing, training, technical assistance, and other forms of professional military cooperation,” Uba said.
The fresh equipment delivery further highlights the continuation of military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States despite recent adjustments involving US personnel in the country.
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