The battle against terrorism yesterday got a boost with the delivery of another military equipment by the United States to the Nigerian Air Force.
This is parts of efforts to strengthen the security partnership between the two countries and support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
The equipment was transported by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement between the United States and Nigeria.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the delivery in a post on its official X handle yesterday, describing it as a demonstration of the growing security partnership between the two countries.
‘PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: A U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend,’ AFRICOM said.
It added that the equipment was part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement designed to strengthen the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and support Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region.
The development underscores the expanding defence and security cooperation between Washington and Abuja, particularly efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to confront terrorism and other security threats.
In August last year, the U.S. approved a possible $346 million Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria involving munitions, precision bombs, precision rockets and related equipment.
In January, U.S. forces also delivered ‘critical military supplies’ to Nigerian partners in Abuja to support ongoing operations.
However, the U.S. military did not disclose the nature of the equipment delivered.
The lastest delivery of equipment is the second since the U.S. approval of Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria.
Nigeria has continued to seek enhanced international partnerships as its armed forces sustain operations against terrorist and criminal networks across the North-East, North-West and other conflict-affected parts of the country.
AFRICOM’s announcement signals continued U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and confront terrorism, while reinforcing Washington’s broader security partnership with Abuja.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu got a pat on the back from Britain for its efforts to tackle security and economic challenges.
The United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dame Sarah Macintosh, gave the commendation during a meeting with Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, at the Nigeria Mission House in New York.
According to a statement by the Office of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the meeting focused on Nigeria’s security and economic development, bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries within the UN system.
The two diplomats also discussed developments concerning border stability and other areas of mutual interest, with emphasis on strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and the UK.
Macintosh and Ibrahim agreed on the need for sustained engagement between both countries, particularly on issues of mutual interest and international cooperation.
The British envoy congratulated Ibrahim on his posting to New York and his election as Chairman of the UN Fifth Committee, which oversees administrative and budgetary matters of the world body.
Macintosh said Ibrahim’s new position offered an opportunity to deepen engagement among Nigeria, the UK and other UN member states.
Ibrahim thanked the British envoy for the visit and expressed appreciation for the continued diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the diplomats to exchange views on developments in Nigeria and prospects for strengthening Nigeria-UK relations.