The United States has supplied Nigeria with heavy artillery to combat terrorism and bolster national security, the US Africa Command revealed Tuesday, underscoring Washington’s continued support for the West African nation despite recent travel curbs on its citizens.
The delivery, described as “critical military supplies,” arrived in the capital Abuja, according to a statement from the command, which highlighted the move as a reinforcement of bilateral ties amid Nigeria’s persistent battles with insurgent groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates.
“U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja,” the US Africa Command said. “This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership.”
The aid follows President Donald Trump’s Christmas Day airstrike on militant positions in northwest Sokoto state, which he dubbed a “Christmas present” to deter attacks, and comes after his administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious violence claims.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s government has pushed back against narratives of targeted persecution, insisting both Christians and Muslims suffer from the insecurity plaguing the region.
Trump has maintained assistance flows despite imposing partial visa restrictions on Nigerians, emphasizing counter-terrorism collaboration in Africa’s most populous country.
