By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The European Union has committed €20 million in defence support to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility (EPF), in a move expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in counterterrorism operations, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.
The development was disclosed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, in a statement issued on Friday, following a meeting between the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), and a European Union delegation led by Ms. Claire Gaudin in Abuja.
The package, sealed in October 2026, represents the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support package to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility.
Speaking during the meeting at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, General Musa welcomed the assistance, describing it as an important contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s military capabilities and ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
He, however, emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop indigenous defence production capacity and achieve greater self-sufficiency in military equipment and technology.
The Minister urged the EU to leverage the momentum of the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to establish local defence production lines in Nigeria.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s determination to track and dismantle terrorist financing networks across the world, irrespective of where they operate.
Musa disclosed that although the current €20 million package focuses on non-lethal military supplies, including equipment, technical training and maintenance, Nigeria hopes that subsequent phases will accommodate critical areas such as military medical support and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Earlier, the leader of the EU delegation and Head of the European Peace Facility at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ms. Claire Gaudin, said the package would provide Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision capabilities and personal protective equipment for troops deployed in operational theatres.
She explained that the priority areas were jointly identified and agreed upon with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria after extensive bilateral consultations.
Gaudin added that Nigeria was among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the facility, which has 30 beneficiaries globally, noting that the support would complement wider regional stabilisation efforts under the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Both parties also explored opportunities for expanding defence cooperation in maritime security, particularly across the Gulf of Guinea.
Established by the 27 EU member states in March 2021 for the 2021–2027 financial cycle, the European Peace Facility is an off-budget financial instrument designed to strengthen the capacity of partner armed forces to prevent conflicts, build peace and promote international security.
