The European Union has pledged €20 million in defence support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the European Peace Facility, as both sides move to strengthen security cooperation.
The commitment was disclosed during a meeting between the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja.
According to the ministry, discussions focused on defence partnerships and a review of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the EU. Ambassador Mignot commended the minister’s efforts in improving the country’s security situation and invited him to attend a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels later this year.
General Musa expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving security and national development.
He said the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies were contributing to gradual improvements in the security environment across the country.
However, the minister noted that kidnapping along major highways and attacks on isolated communities remain significant challenges.
He added that Nigeria is expecting the delivery of 10 attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other military equipment to strengthen ongoing operations.
Musa also highlighted the shrinking Lake Chad Basin as a potential source of instability for more than 50 million people who depend on it.
He said preventing terrorists from maintaining strongholds on islands within the lake remains a key operational objective of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
On the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, the minister stressed the need to prioritise support for victims of conflict, including affected military personnel.
Ambassador Mignot said an EU technical delegation would visit Abuja in November to finalise details for the delivery of the €20 million assistance package.
He also praised the recent conference of past and present MNJTF force commanders, which was attended by representatives of the African Union and the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
The planned support is expected to further boost cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union in addressing security challenges and promoting regional stability.
