Putin offers Nigeria military aid and mercenaries to curb insurgency
Amidst ongoing insecurity, terrorism, insurgency and other criminal acts in Nigeria, Putin has offered military assistance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged military aid and mercenaries to Nigeria in a bid to combat terrorism and other criminal acts in the West African country.
The president of Russian Federation has vowed more effective military cooperation with Nigeria in its ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism by offering weapons, operational and tactical mercenaries to reinforce the West African country’s counterinsurgency operations.
Putin Offers Nigeria Military Aid
The Russian Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Averianov, speaking on behalf of the President Vladimir Putin, stressed that Russia is ready to strengthen defence cooperation with Nigeria, noting that the West African country is a major regional power and critical partner.
He indicated the federation of Russia, engaged in tactical and special operation against thirty-nine enemy nations, had advanced new counterterrorism tactics it was in a haste to share with Nigeria.
On Monday in a statement released by the office of the Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the commitment was made known during a working visit by the Russian representatives of the President Vladimir Putin, Lieutenant General Andrei Averianov, to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The statement read, “The Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Andrei Averianov today, 28 April 2025 paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR.
“The Head of the Russian delegation in his remarks noted that the visit marked a memorable day in the history of the Russian Federation, while on behalf of his team, thanked the CDS for hosting them and the warm hospitality accorded to them.
Putin Offers Nigeria Military Aid
“According to him, it has been 80 years since Russia fought Nazism. However, the security landscape has evolved, with asymmetric threats such as Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram now emerging.
“He expressed Russian delight in being part of the fight to create a more secure environment for future generations in Nigeria.
“Lt Gen Averianov stated that Russia was engaged in special operations facing 39 adversary nations, during which they had developed new methods they were willing to share with Nigeria to support the fight against terrorism.
“On behalf of President Vladimir Putin and the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, he pledged Russia’s support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, while recognising Nigeria’s significance as a major stakeholder and power in the region.”
Further, he noted that the Russian Federation has been studying and learning from Nigeria’s counterterrorism moves over the years.
Putin Offers Nigeria Military Aid
“He therefore added that as brothers in arms, they were ready to assist, particularly with the provision of the full range of weapons required by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to prosecute its war on terror,” the statement added.
Reacting, the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, emphasised the need for broad partnership in various areas such as, special operations training, intelligence sharing, and equipment maintenance.
The CDS welcomed the Russian delegation on behalf of the Commander in Chief, AFN, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the members of the Nigeria Armed Forces.
He indicated that both countries (Nigeria and Russia) were going through challenging times, amounting to loss of military personnel and necessitating the attitude of special operations.
“He thanked the delegation for the support from the Russian Federation, noting that Russia and Nigeria had long enjoyed strong ties, highlighting the need for continued partnerships in training and operations.
Gen. Musa also proposed the need and importance of exchanging instructors and students between the two countries for special military training and future co-operations.
Putin Offers Nigeria Military Aid
“He noted that for the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, there is the need to expand training in Special Operations and provision of requisite equipment, special boats, fast attack craft and amphibious training.
“Others include the need for assistance in the maintenance of Russian platforms and the provision of aid surveillance respectively.
“The CDS stressed that Nigeria had several Russian-made platforms that were currently unserviceable and requested support through the provision of spare parts and the deployment of Russian experts for in-country maintenance or arrangements for backloading such equipment to Russia for repairs.”
Musa made a plea for enhanced intelligence sharing from Russia to Nigeria, indicating that the Russians had acquired valuable and effective experience and capacity from their extended operations, especially in the Sahel region.
“He finally thanked the delegation for their gesture for personally delivering equipment and providing a team of experts to assist in their testing, adding that the Russian
Federation had fulfilled its commitment to Nigeria as promised,” the statement added.
Putin Offers Nigeria Military Aid
It can be recalled that in 2013, Nigerian former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan also acquired the service of the military mercenaries from South Africa to fight Boko Haram and terrorism in the North.
His move was considered successful and validated by Senator Ali Ndume a five months ago.
All Nigerians and the entire world are watching and waiting to see the outcome of Nigeria-Russia joint military efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism in the country.
We hope and posit that it comes a success so that peace and joy can return into the country following the elimination of the criminal elements and terrorists depriving the nation of its peace and security.
Putin Offers Nigeria Military Aid