EU To Deliver N29.9b Defence Support to Nigerian Armed Forces

Our Correspondent

The European Union is to deliver ₦29.9 billion (€20 million) in defence support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the European Peace Facility, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The disclosure was made during a working visit by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), at Ship House, Abuja, on October 17, 2026.

According to a press release signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, the engagement centred on a review of security cooperation between Nigeria and the EU and modalities for bilateral assistance.

Ambassador Mignot commended the minister for efforts in changing the security dynamics in the country and invited him to a meeting of Ministers of Defence in Brussels later in the year.

He disclosed that an EU technical delegation will visit Abuja in November to agree on delivery details. He also commended the recent conference of past and present Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Force Commanders, which was attended by representatives of the African Union and the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

General Musa expressed gratitude to the EU for its consistent support to Nigeria and assured the ambassador of the President’s commitment to ensuring the safety and development of the country.

He said relative peace is gradually returning due to efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies, but noted that kidnapping along major highways and attacks on isolated communities persist and are being tackled.

“In this regard, Nigeria is expecting the delivery of ten attack helicopters, UAVs and other major enablers with the effort of Mr. President,” Musa said.

The Minister said the shrinking of Lake Chad Basin, on which more than 50 million people depend, remains a potential source of instability, stressing that denying terrorists holding areas on the Lake Chad Islands remains a key operational priority for the MNJTF.

On the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Programme, the Minister emphasized that the programme should prioritize victims, including affected military personnel.

The statement added that discussions also covered critical defence bilateral agreements.

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