Nigeria to purchase 12 US attack helicopters

Nigeria is moving forward with plans to buy 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. This step comes as Abuja and Washington strengthen their defense ties amid ongoing security problems in the country.

The US Mission in Nigeria announced on Tuesday that this planned purchase shows how the two countries are working together on security.

"U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation continues to advance our shared efforts to strengthen regional security," the mission stated in a post on X.

"The planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters shows both countries’ commitment to building Nigeria’s defense capabilities and tackling current and emerging threats together."

This announcement follows a signing ceremony at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas. Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, led a team from the Nigerian Air Force at the event.

The ceremony marked a significant step in the Nigeria-US defense cooperation program. It also supports Nigeria’s goal to modernize its armed forces, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

Mr. Aneke stated that this acquisition is a key achievement in building a stronger and more prepared Nigerian Air Force. The NAF team also checked out the production line for the helicopters during their visit.

This latest move comes after months of military cooperation between Nigeria and the US. This includes sharing intelligence, military training, logistical support, and joint counterterrorism operations.

In September, the United States sent military equipment to Nigeria under a foreign military sales agreement. US Africa Command mentioned that this delivery aimed to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and boost the security partnership between the two countries.

Both nations have set up defense working groups as part of their 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap to enhance military collaboration. This initiative followed the deployment of US personnel and surveillance support to assist Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Earlier this year, the US sent about 200 military personnel to Nigeria under an agreement with the Nigerian government. This was aimed at improving efforts against terrorism.

Although Nigerian officials said these personnel would mainly focus on training and intelligence sharing, US and Nigerian forces later joined forces for operations against Islamic State targets in the North-east. Most of the US personnel were later withdrawn, but intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation continued.

The cooperation has grown stronger despite some diplomatic tensions. This followed Washington’s classification of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to issues around religious freedom.

Subsequently, both governments formed a joint working group to address violence against vulnerable groups. They are also assessing their counterterrorism cooperation. In August, Nigerian officials reported that the group was reviewing progress and discussing the next steps in their security partnership.

The United States keeps warning its citizens about security risks in Nigeria. Its travel advisory, issued in June, rates Nigeria at Level 3, advising Americans to think twice about traveling due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping.

Nigeria faces several security issues with various armed groups active across the country. Armed groups, including terrorists, have attacked in many states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, Plateau, and Benue, killing thousands annually and displacing many more.