In a major reinforcement of the burgeoning security alliance between Washington and Abuja, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) officially delivered a significant shipment of military supplies to the Nigerian government today, Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
The delivery, made via a US military transport aircraft that touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, marks the first major hardware transfer since the controversial US-led airstrikes in Sokoto on Christmas Day.
While AFRICOM’s official statement on X (formerly Twitter) did not list the specific quantities for security reasons, imagery released of the offloading process in Abuja suggests a focus on tactical logistics and precision munitions:
The shipment is believed to include the first batch of components from the $346 million arms deal approved in August 2025, which features MK-82 500lb bombs and laser-guided rockets.
Logistics crates marked for “Tactical Intelligence” suggest the delivery of advanced drone parts and communication encryption tools.
The package includes technical and engineering support kits to maintain Nigeria’s existing fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.
This delivery is not just a commercial transaction; it is a high-stakes diplomatic signal. It follows a turbulent period in late 2025:
After designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to religious freedom violations, the Trump administration threatened aid cuts.
In a surprising pivot in November 2025, the Nigerian Presidency appealed for US military intervention to halt the surge in “banditry” and “terror enclaves” in the North-West.
This culminated in the December 25, 2025 airstrikes, where US forces targeted terrorist positions in Sokoto with Nigerian intelligence support. Today’s delivery is seen as the “resupply” phase of this intensified joint operation.
| Equipment | Status | Purpose |
| A-29 Super Tucanos | Fully Operational | Close air support and surveillance. |
| AH-1Z Viper Helicopters | Accelerated Delivery | 12 units currently being fast-tracked in San Diego. |
| Precision Munitions | Arriving Now | Reducing “collateral damage” in densely forested enclaves. |
Former Senator Shehu Sani hailed the delivery today, urging other global powers to emulate the US gesture.
“Anything that can be done to eliminate Bello Turji, Adamu Aleru, and other terrorist criminals in the hinterland of Zamfara is welcomed. We need results, and we need the high-tech edge the Americans bring.” – Shehu Sani, January 13, 2026.
However, some civil society groups remain cautious, questioning if the “US conditions” regarding religious freedom and human rights have been met, or if Washington has prioritized geopolitical “stability” over its previous human rights red lines.
