The Nigerian government announced Friday that the United States has confirmed the delivery of military equipment purchased by the country over the past five years.
This order includes drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts and support systems, according to Information Minister Ibrahim Idris.
The decision follows a meeting in Abuja between a US delegation and Nigerian national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the third high-level meeting since November. Mr. Idris assured that this partnership "works" and strengthens bilateral cooperation.
The discussion also addressed Nigeria's recent designation as a "country of particular concern" by the US Congress, due to religious oppression. Diplomatic tensions have been partly eased by military cooperation, particularly after US strikes in December against Islamic State-linked groups in the country's northwest Sokoto state.
The minister stressed that Nigeria is "acting decisively" in the face of the security crisis hitting the country, with frequent attacks on religious centers and kidnappings. Last Sunday, more than 150 worshipers were kidnapped simultaneously from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State.
The Nigerian government is banking on military cooperation with the United States to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities across the country.
