US Delivers Military Equipment To Nigerian Air Force To Boost Anti-Terror Fight

The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between both countries and support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

According to Ireporter Online, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed that a US Air Force C-17 aircraft transported the equipment to Nigeria over the weekend.

AFRICOM said the delivery was made under a foreign military sales agreement between the United States and Nigeria.

The Command explained that the agreement was designed to deepen the security partnership between the two countries while supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and other security threats in the region.

“Partnership in action,” AFRICOM said while announcing the arrival of the equipment, adding that the delivery would contribute to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

The development comes as the United States continues to strengthen its security and defence cooperation with Nigeria in response to terrorism and other regional security challenges.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Homeland Security has proposed new time limits for certain categories of visas issued to international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists.

Under the proposed regulations, holders of F and J visas would be permitted to remain in the United States for a maximum of four years, while foreign journalists travelling under I visas would face a maximum stay of 240 days.

Chinese journalists would be subject to a shorter 90-day limit under the proposal.

The proposed changes would replace the existing system under which some F, J and I visa holders can remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programmes or employment.

The regulation is expected to take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, subject to the required review process.

The Department of Homeland Security said the proposed changes were partly driven by the increasing number of international students, exchange visitors and foreign media personnel entering the United States.

According to the department, more than 1.8 million student visa admissions were recorded in 2024, representing an 11 per cent increase from the previous year.

The US also issued visas to more than 500,000 exchange visitors and about 37,300 foreign media workers during the 2024 fiscal year.

DHS argued that the growing population of visa holders presented challenges for authorities in monitoring and overseeing non-immigrants during their stay.

The department further claimed that some students and exchange visitors had remained in the United States for decades under the existing rules.

However, affected visa holders would still have the option of applying for extensions under the proposed system.