The United States delivered “critical military supplies” to Nigeria on Tuesday, reinforcing security cooperation following U.S. airstrikes on December 25 against militant groups in the country’s northwest. The strikes targeted sites in Sokoto State in what Nigerian authorities described as a “joint” operation against Islamic State-affiliated fighters and local jihadist groups. U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) said the delivery “supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and underscores our shared security partnership,” without disclosing further details.
The military assistance comes amid growing strategic ties between Washington and Abuja. Nigeria’s national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, signed a $750,000-per-month agreement with U.S. lobbying firm DCI Group in mid-December to communicate Nigeria’s security efforts and maintain American support in combating West African jihadists and other destabilizing forces. Relations between the two countries had been tense after former President Donald Trump described violence in Nigeria as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians—a claim rejected by Nigeria and independent analysts. Trump has since framed U.S. action in Nigeria as targeted strikes against jihadist militants, though he has also indicated willingness to act again if violence against Christians continues.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces overlapping security challenges: an ongoing jihadist insurgency in the north since 2009, armed banditry, and separatist unrest in the southeast. Post-strike arrangements reportedly involve the Nigerian Air Force leading future operations with U.S. intelligence support, while Abuja remains open to further American assistance. The impact of the December strikes remains disputed. Nigerian officials report targeting militants, including Islamic State fighters and Lakurawa members, but independent verification is limited. Journalists on the ground confirmed damage to farmland and civilian buildings, as well as injuries among civilians. This U.S. military aid and cooperation signal a thaw in relations, strengthening Abuja’s capacity to combat jihadist threats while navigating the delicate politics of religious and regional tensions.
