Nigeria – US Defence Cooperation: A Reflection from the Diaspora, by Boniface Ihiasota 

The defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States represents one of the most complex and consequential aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy in the 21st century. Rooted in decades of military engagement, training, strategic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and equipment acquisition, this partnership reflects shared interests in regional stability, combating violent extremism, and strengthening military institutions. For many in the Nigerian diaspora, this cooperation carries both hopes for enhanced security at home and concerns about sovereignty, national strategy, and the implications of external influence.

At its core, Nigeria-US defence cooperation has evolved from traditional military diplomacy to a more multi-faceted, operational collaboration. Since the early 2000s, the United States has provided sustained security sector assistance to Nigeria. According to U.S. government data, more than $232 million in security support was delivered between 2000 and 2021, with notifications of $593 million in Foreign Military Sales and approximately $305 million in direct commercial defence sales to support counter-terrorism, border security, and professionalization of the Nigerian Armed Forces. In 2022 the U.S. announced nearly $997 million in a major foreign military sale that included attack helicopters and associated training as part of long-term capability enhancement.

In practical terms, the partnership nurtures capacity building, professional military education, and logistics cooperation. Both nations have exchanged senior military leaders and engaged in joint strategic dialogues to align responses to shared threats. Nigerian defence officials and U.S. counterparts have regularly convened to strengthen frameworks for cooperation, reaffirming commitments to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty while leveraging U.S. technical expertise.

As insecurity in Nigeria has worsened, especially with the prolonged insurgency of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as well as rising banditry and extremist violence, the practical aspects of the partnership have taken on heightened urgency. Recent developments illustrate this vividly. In early 2026, Nigeria formally invited additional U.S. military support for training, intelligence sharing, and technical assistance. Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters on Monday confirmed the arrival of about 100 U.S. military personnel and equipment at Bauchi, with planned joint training exercises aimed at enhancing Nigerian troops’ capacity to detect and neutralize extremist groups. Local authorities clarified that the U.S. personnel serve in advisory and training roles, under Nigerian command, in line with bilateral agreements and respect for Nigerian sovereignty.

In neighboring Abuja and among diaspora communities, these movements sparked broad discussions about what external military involvement means for Nigeria’s autonomy and long-term security strategy. Advocacy groups like Citizens for Strategic Defence Cooperation have publicly endorsed the expanded partnership while stressing that it does not erode Nigeria’s sovereignty. They describe the engagement as “measured and strategic,” focused on capacity building, intelligence systems, and joint problem-solving rather than occupation or direct combat.

Beyond boots on the ground, the United States has engaged Nigeria in targeted counter-terrorism operations. In late 2025, the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Islamic State-linked camps in northwest Nigeria with Nigerian approval, employing precision guided munitions through U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) platforms. These strikes were designed to disrupt militant networks operating from Sahel corridors and were followed by coordinated intelligence sharing.

Still, the defence cooperation is not without controversy. In the diaspora, commentary reflects a spectrum of views: from optimism about the gains in confronting violent extremism to unease about foreign intervention and the framing of Nigeria’s internal conflicts in international discourse. Former U.S. statements by political leaders, including those linking Nigeria’s actions to religious persecution or threatening aid cuts, have sometimes strained diplomatic goodwill, prompting the Nigerian government to clarify its position and reject broad characterizations of the security situation.

Nonetheless, there are tangible operational outcomes that diaspora stakeholders often highlight as evidence of positive cooperation. Enhanced intelligence sharing has contributed to improved situational awareness for Nigerian forces during operations like Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Operation Fasan Yamma in the northwest. The timely delivery of military hardware — including drones, helicopters, spare parts, and support systems — pledged by the U.S. demonstrates a sustained material investment in Nigeria’s defence architecture.

For many Nigerians abroad, this partnership epitomizes the balancing act between external support and internal agency. On one hand, there is recognition that no nation is an island in confronting transnational threats. On the other, there is a persistent call for transparency, accountability, and strategies that prioritize civilian protection and national ownership of security frameworks.

In conclusion, Nigeria–U.S. defence cooperation is a nuanced, evolving relationship rooted in shared interests and longstanding military engagement. While it brings considerable resources, training, and strategic depth to Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism, it also requires careful navigation of national interests, sovereignty considerations, and public perceptions — both at home and within the vibrant Nigerian diaspora. Ensuring that this cooperation yields tangible security improvements without undermining national autonomy remains a shared challenge for both nations.

Diaspora Watch Newspaper has released its 81st edition, delivering a sharp, authoritative and globally attuned package of journalism that interrogates power, policy and influence at a critical moment in international affairs.

Diaspora Watch FREE DIGITAL VIEW:  https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-81/

On-Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3259915?__r=1069759

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW: https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

This latest edition captures the shifting dynamics of global security, diplomacy and governance, with a lead focus on deepening U.S.–Nigeria security engagement against the backdrop of rising terror threats. The report probes the strategic calculations behind the move and what it means for regional stability, sovereignty and counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa.

Beyond security, the edition reflects the volatility of a world in transition. From renewed uncertainty in Libya following reports surrounding Muammar Gaddafi’s son, to mounting tensions in the United States over federal immigration enforcement and public protest, Diaspora Watch situates breaking developments within their broader political and social contexts.

The newspaper also turns attention to the future, spotlighting technological innovation aimed at Africa’s digital inclusion, as well as urgent calls for stronger regional integration in the Caribbean amid global trade headwinds. Energy policy debates, evolving diplomatic relations between Africa and the United States, and the deepening humanitarian emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo are examined with clarity, balance and depth.

Rounding out the edition is a culture-driven back-page story that blends politics, celebrity and controversy, underscoring how influence and perception increasingly intersect in the global public space.

With its 81st edition, Diaspora Watch Newspaper reinforces its position as a trusted platform for diaspora-focused journalism—bold in perspective, rigorous in reporting and committed to telling Africa’s story within a rapidly changing world.

Stay connected with the world around you – read Diaspora Watch today!

Celebrating African excellence and spotlighting pressing global issues.

#DiasporaWatch #AfricaInFocus #GlobalNews #CulturalVoices #AfricanPerspective

11 Killed, 14 Injured in Mass Shooting at South African Hostel

At least 11 people, including a three-year-old child, have been killed in a mass shooting at a hostel in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said three unidentified gunmen stormed the premises around 4:30am on Saturday and fired “randomly” at a group of people who were drinking.

A 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were also among the dead.

Mathe confirmed that 25 people were shot in total, with 14 others wounded.

No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Authorities described the venue as an “illegal shebeen,” noting that many mass shootings in the country occur in such unlicensed liquor spots.

Police shut down 12,000 illegal outlets between April and September and arrested more than 18,000 people nationwide.

South Africa continues to battle soaring violent crime.

According to UN data, the country recorded a murder rate of 45 per 100,000 people in 2023–24, while police statistics show that 63 people were killed daily between April and September.