Russia Pledges Military Support to Nigeria in Fight Against Terrorism

In a major boost for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, Russia has promised stronger military support, offering weapons, operational help, and strategic advice to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Speaking on behalf of President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Andrei Averianov praised Nigeria as a key regional power and an important partner. 

He stressed Russia’s willingness to deepen military cooperation with Nigeria, especially in light of the security challenges both nations face.

During a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Lt Gen Averianov shared Russia’s commitment. 

According to a statement by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Media Operations, the visit marks an important step in building stronger ties between the two countries.

Lt Gen Averianov noted that although Russia had fought Nazism 80 years ago, today’s threats are different, with groups like Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram creating new security challenges.

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He added that Russia, currently involved in operations against 39 opposing countries, has developed advanced counterterrorism strategies that it is ready to share with Nigeria.

On behalf of President Putin, Lt Gen Averianov pledged full support to Nigeria, especially in providing a wide range of weapons needed by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He also highlighted Russia’s respect for Nigeria’s strong role in West Africa’s security and political leadership.

“We are brothers in arms, and we are ready to support Nigeria with the equipment and expertise needed to secure its future generations,” Averianov said.

He also mentioned that Russia had been watching Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations closely and learned valuable lessons from their experiences.

As part of the cooperation, Russia is willing to supply weapons, improve training, and offer help with maintaining Russian-made military equipment already in Nigeria.

In response, General Musa warmly welcomed the Russian delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian military.

He thanked Russia for its ongoing support and stressed the need for even closer collaboration, especially in training, intelligence sharing, and equipment maintenance.

General Musa highlighted the importance of exchanging instructors and students between both countries to strengthen special operations capabilities.

He also requested help in maintaining Nigeria’s Russian-made equipment, including spare parts, repairs, and expert deployments.

“There’s an urgent need to expand our training in special operations, boost amphibious training for our forces, and get support for our surveillance and fast-attack operations,” Musa said.

The Chief of Defence Staff further called for improved intelligence sharing between Nigeria and Russia. 

He pointed out that Russia’s experience in handling asymmetric warfare, particularly in regions like the Sahel, could be very helpful to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

General Musa concluded by thanking the Russian delegation for personally delivering military equipment and sending experts to help test and deploy them, noting that Russia had kept its promises to Nigeria.

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