By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have moved to finalise arrangements for the deployment of a €20 million defence support package aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
The package, provided under the European Peace Facility (EPF), is expected to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops through the provision of specialised military equipment, technical training and maintenance support, particularly for counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), disclosed this during a strategic meeting with a delegation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), led by Ms. Claire Gaudin, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, the meeting focused on finalising delivery modalities for the €20 million assistance package, which was sealed in October 2026 and represents the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support to Nigeria.
Musa welcomed the intervention, expressing confidence that it would significantly strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian military in ongoing counterterrorism operations.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign military supplies through local production.
The Minister urged the European Union to leverage the momentum of the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to support the establishment of defence production lines in Nigeria, noting the importance of building sustainable local capacity.
He also emphasised Nigeria’s determination to track and dismantle terrorist financing networks globally, regardless of where they operate.
Under the current phase of the assistance, the EU will provide Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision capabilities and individual protective gear for troops deployed in operational theatres.
Gaudin, who leads the European Peace Facility at the EEAS, explained that the equipment priorities were jointly agreed upon with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria following extensive bilateral consultations.
She added that Nigeria was among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the facility, which has 30 beneficiaries globally, noting that the intervention would complement wider regional stabilisation efforts under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
While the current package focuses on non-lethal military assistance, Musa expressed optimism that subsequent phases would extend to other critical areas, including military medical support and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Both parties also explored opportunities for expanding defence cooperation in maritime security, particularly across the Gulf of Guinea.
