Nigeria

Sep- 2026 -

18 September

Air

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies during close air support drills as part of Service Level Training Exercise 4-25 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 26, 2025. MCAGCC serves as the Marine Corps’ premier training venue for service-level exercises by providing realistic multi-domain environments to prepare forces for success in future conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Thompson)

Bell Textron Starts Viper Helicopter Build for Nigeria

Bell Textron has begun production of the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter as part of a US foreign military sale to Nigeria in 2024.

Aug- 2026 -

28 August

Air

Jodesz Gavilan

US Taps Bell for $18M Nigeria AH-1Z Training Deal

The US has awarded Bell Textron an $18-million contract to provide the Nigerian Air Force with an AH-1Z Viper flight training device.

17 August

Africa

Jodesz Gavilan

Nigeria to Build Armored Vehicles, Counter-Drone Systems Locally

Nigeria is expanding its domestic defense industry with plans to manufacture armored vehicles, counter-drone systems, and other military equipment locally.

Jul- 2026 -

11 July

Terrorism

Staff Writer With AFP

Nearly 50 Abducted Pupils, Teachers Rescued in Nigeria

Dozens of schoolchildren kidnapped during a rare attack in southwestern Nigeria 56 days ago have been rescued, the presidency said.

4 July

Americas

Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service soldiers conduct close quarters room clearing at Flintlock in Volta, Ghana, March 3, 2023. Flintlock is U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest annual special operations exercise that strengthens key partner nations throughout Africa, in partnership with other international special operations forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mario Hernandez Lopez)

Staff Writer With AFP

US Says Pulls Some Troops From Nigeria After Anti-IS Operation

The US has pulled out most of the troops deployed to Nigeria for a special operation against fighters of the Islamic State group in the country's northeast, the American military said.

3 July

Africa

A Nigerian soldier wipes sweat off his face while participating in a special forces training exercise during Exercise Flintlock 2018 in Agadez, Niger, April 14, 2018. Flintlock is an annual, African-led, integrated military and law enforcement exercise working with multinational special operations groups. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 (SW/AW) Evan Parker/Released)

Staff Writer With AFP

Nigeria Pushing Anti-Jihadist Collaboration With Benin, Niger: Defense Minister

Nigeria is working to increase military cooperation with Benin and Niger as jihadists from the Sahel encroach on the country's northwest, the Nigerian defense minister said.

2 July

Africa

Staff Writer With AFP

Gunmen Kill at Least 15 in Central Nigeria: Local Sources

Gunmen killed at least 15 people and injured several others, according to a security report and local sources, in the latest case of violence plaguing central Nigeria's Benue state.

Jun- 2026 -

30 June

Africa

Rojoef Manuel

Nigerian Army to Recruit 28,000 Warfighters in Security Expansion

The Nigerian Army has announced the recruitment and training of an additional 28,000 troops as it expands its force to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country, according to Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

26 June

Africa

Rojoef Manuel

Nigeria Opens Wargaming Center for Next-Generation Military Training

Nigeria has inaugurated a Wargaming Center at the Army War College in Abuja to improve force preparation in response to evolving security threats.

13 June

Africa

A herder and a flock of cattle in Nigeria.

Staff Writer With AFP

Gunmen Kill 17 Farmers in Northern Nigeria: Official

Gunmen killed 17 farmers in northwestern Nigeria on Friday in the latest violence against agriculturalists since the start of the farming season, a local official and residents told AFP.

Trends Shaping the Defense World

JOIN 100,000+ FOR DEFENSE NEWS, TRENDS & INSIGHTS