Authorities say the allocation represents commitment by the US against rising insecurity in the region. The allocation is part of about one trillion dollars in total budget for US for defence operations for the year.  Although it’s unclear how the money will be disbursed for operations in Nigeria and other countries battling security concerns in West Africa, the funds will be coordinated by the US Africa Command, AFRICOM. The US recently increased its military engagement with Nigeria and countries in West Africa where insurgency and other forms of criminality such as kidnapping for ransom payments persist.

Earlier this week, its officials delivered military equipment to security agencies in Abuja to support ongoing military operations in the country. In December, the US launched air strikes against insurgents in Nigeria’s state of Sokoto, leading to casualties, in partnership with Nigerian officials. Defence authorities in Nigeria have commended the US for its support, calling for deeper strategic cooperation in areas such as capacity building, doctrine development, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.

US Defence Attaché in the country, Lieutenant Colonel Semira Moore says her country values its partnership with Nigeria, and will continue exploring new areas of collaboration and growth with it.

–Reuters–