FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM: US delivers military equipment to NAF

The United States has recently delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of their ongoing security partnership and support for Nigeria's counter-terrorism operations. AFRICOM, the United States Africa Command, announced this on its X social media platform on Thursday, accompanied by images of a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying out the delivery.

The equipment was provided under a foreign military sales agreement between the two nations, aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Nigerian partnership and aiding Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorism in the region. This delivery comes amid continued military cooperation between the two countries, encompassing training and capacity-building programs.

In August, U.S. forces initiated training sessions for Nigerian troops in various military skills, including unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, weapons familiarization, camouflage, water treatment, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics, among others. These trainings were tailored to the expertise of U.S. forces and areas deemed beneficial by their Nigerian counterparts.

Notably, about 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment received practical training on operating unmanned aircraft systems.

Despite the U.S. withdrawing most of its troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counter-terrorism operation, both countries have maintained their military cooperation through intelligence sharing, training, and other capacity-building initiatives.