In response to Nigeria's ongoing security challenges, the Russian Federation has pledged comprehensive military assistance to help combat terrorism and insurgency across the country.
This support package, which includes the delivery of weapons, tactical and technical training, intelligence cooperation, and operational strategy, was officially proposed on Monday, April 28, 2025. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where Lieutenant General Andrei Averianov, the official envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, met with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
Speaking on behalf of President Putin and the Russian Ministry of Defence, Lt Gen Averianov emphasized Russia’s commitment to helping Nigeria tackle violent extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. He acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic importance in regional and global security and affirmed that both nations are confronting similar threats of terrorism, necessitating deeper military collaboration.
“Russia is prepared to partner with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, sharing our advanced capabilities and experiences gained through current operations involving 39 opposing countries,” Averianov said. He highlighted that Russia has developed new counterterrorism strategies from its ongoing military engagements and is willing to share these innovations with Nigerian forces.
According to a press statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Media Operations, the meeting was seen as a landmark moment in Nigeria-Russia military relations. Averianov reportedly expressed enthusiasm in supporting Nigeria’s security architecture and praised the Nigerian military’s efforts in restoring peace across volatile regions.
He also noted that threats like Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and similar insurgent groups represent evolving security challenges that require global partnerships to confront. The Russian general expressed a desire for long-term military cooperation, including equipment delivery, expert deployment, and capacity building in counterterrorism.
General Musa, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, welcomed the Russian delegation warmly. He acknowledged the importance of this renewed defense partnership, particularly in areas like intelligence sharing, maintenance of military hardware, special operations training, and logistical coordination.
“There is a critical need to enhance our operational readiness. Nigeria requires reliable partners for training exchanges, spare part supplies, and technical support,” General Musa said. He specifically requested the deployment of Russian technicians to assist in the repair and servicing of non-functional Russian-made platforms in Nigeria’s arsenal, many of which have been grounded due to lack of parts.
Musa further outlined Nigeria’s interest in acquiring special boats, fast attack craft, amphibious equipment, and tailored training programs that would bolster the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force in joint counterterrorism operations.
In response, Averianov assured that Russia would supply the required spare parts and dispatch technical teams to Nigeria for on-site support. He also pledged that Moscow would provide modernized equipment and continue to share actionable intelligence, particularly from operations in the Sahel region where Russian forces have relevant experience.
The Russian delegation delivered some equipment during the visit and promised to assist in their installation and testing. General Musa expressed gratitude for the gesture and commended Russia for fulfilling its prior commitments.
This renewed defense collaboration comes at a critical juncture, as Nigeria continues to grapple with severe insecurity caused by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed factions that have destabilized communities and targeted civilians in multiple regions.
The strategic engagement between Russia and Nigeria signals a broader effort to enhance Nigeria’s military capabilities and restore peace and stability across the country.