The United States has supplied military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of ongoing security cooperation between both countries.
The equipment was delivered to Nigerian Air Force locations in Lagos and Kainji, Niger State, in September, according to the United States Africa Command.
AFRICOM disclosed this on its website on Thursday, saying the supplies were transported using a US Air Force C-17 aircraft.
The command said the delivery was made under an existing foreign military sales agreement between the US and Nigerian militaries.
According to AFRICOM, the equipment is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and support security operations in the region.
“The equipment delivery is part of a foreign military sales agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian militaries,” the command said.
It added, “The delivery furthers the strategic partnership between the two nations in order to enhance Nigerian-led efforts to counter terrorism in the region. U.S. military support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria is by its invitation and rooted in respect for Nigerian sovereignty.”
The latest delivery comes amid continued security collaboration between Washington and Abuja in the fight against terrorist groups operating in the region.
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Last month, AFRICOM Commander Dagvin Anderson said the US had reduced its troop presence in Nigeria following a May operation that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS, in the Lake Chad Basin.
US and Nigerian officials had described the relatively small American deployment in Nigeria as having produced significant results.
Although the larger contingent is expected to leave by the end of September, small teams of American trainers and intelligence analysts are expected to remain in the country.
The report also noted that US officials had described the deployment in Nigeria as a potential model for future American military operations across Africa.