The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, that U.S. forces have delivered critical military supplies to Nigerian authorities in the capital, Abuja. The handover underscores the ongoing security partnership between the two nations amid persistent threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and banditry in Nigeria's North East and North West regions.
In a post on its verified X account (formerly Twitter), AFRICOM stated: “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership.” The statement tagged the United States Mission in Nigeria (@USinNigeria) and included visuals reportedly showing the arrival of supplies, highlighting the formal nature of the transfer to Nigerian security agencies.
While AFRICOM did not disclose specific details about the nature of the equipment—such as whether it included weapons, ammunition, vehicles, surveillance gear, or logistical support—the delivery is described as aimed at enhancing Nigeria's capacity to conduct counterterrorism and security operations. This assistance forms part of a broader U.S. strategy to strengthen bilateral cooperation with West African partners facing transnational threats, including groups affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) and Boko Haram splinter factions like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The announcement arrives against the backdrop of intensified collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the United States. In recent months, security challenges have escalated, with ongoing insurgent activities, kidnappings, and banditry displacing communities and straining Nigerian forces. The supplies are seen as a timely reinforcement for Nigerian troops engaged in sustained operations across multiple fronts.
This development follows a significant escalation in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation late in 2025. In November 2025, the administration of President Bola Tinubu appealed to the United States for enhanced military support to combat terrorism in affected states. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the request in response to the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" over alleged religious freedom issues, particularly violence against Christians. The appeal emphasized the need for direct assistance, including potential deployment of U.S. military assets, while stressing respect for Nigeria's sovereignty.
The request gained traction amid rising concerns over attacks on religious communities and the spread of jihadist influence from the Sahel region. In December 2025, this cooperation culminated in a joint airstrike operation on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. AFRICOM, acting at the explicit request and with the coordination of Nigerian authorities, conducted precision strikes against ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria. The operation targeted terrorist camps and strongholds, reportedly killing multiple fighters associated with ISIS, Lakurawa (a jihadist group operating in the region), and affiliated bandits.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly described the strikes as a response to threats against "innocent Christians" and warned of further actions if extremist violence persisted. Nigerian officials, including Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, affirmed that the operation was a "joint effort" involving Nigerian intelligence and approval from President Tinubu, emphasizing that it targeted terrorist networks regardless of religious framing and prioritized civilian protection.
The strikes marked a rare direct U.S. kinetic involvement in Nigeria's internal security operations, building on longstanding non-combat support such as training, intelligence sharing, and equipment provision through programs like the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) and Foreign Military Financing.
Nigeria has battled Boko Haram since 2009, with the insurgency evolving into a complex web of jihadist factions, bandits, and criminal networks exploiting ungoverned spaces in the northeast (around Lake Chad) and northwest (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina states). ISWAP, a splinter group, has grown more sophisticated, conducting ambushes, kidnappings, and cross-border activities. Banditry and communal clashes have further compounded the crisis, leading to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and economic disruption.
The U.S. has historically provided substantial security assistance to Nigeria, focusing on capacity-building, military professionalization, and counterterrorism without direct combat roles until recent developments. This includes over $500 million in active Foreign Military Sales cases and millions in training and equipment under various initiatives.
Tuesday's delivery signals continued momentum in this partnership under the Tinubu administration, which has prioritized defeating terrorism through both domestic reforms and international alliances. Nigerian defense officials have welcomed the support, viewing it as vital for sustaining operations and improving operational effectiveness against evolving threats.
Experts note that while such assistance strengthens short-term capabilities, long-term success depends on addressing root causes like poverty, governance deficits, and youth unemployment. Rights groups have urged all parties to ensure operations adhere to international humanitarian law and minimize civilian harm.
As Nigeria intensifies its multi-front campaign, the U.S. delivery reinforces a message of solidarity in the fight against extremism, contributing to regional stability in West Africa.
