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Defense News Nigeria

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Your source for Nigeria defense news 🌍 and military updates across Africa. DefenseNigeria is a private twitter account and is not affiliated with the AFN.

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Terrorist groups have long used thick forests to hide, stock up on munitions, and establish bases. The Sambisa forest alone covers 60,000 square kilometers across several northeastern states, including Borno, Yobe, Gombe, and Bauchi. It's a dense mixture of short trees, thorny bushes, and thick foilage that provides tactical camouflage from aerial surveilance. The NAF carry out painstaking ISR missions to identify targets in these areas and launch precision air interdiction strikes to destroy terrorist structures and weapons caches hidden under the foliage. That's one forest among dozens billeted all over the northeast and northwest. Other notable forests such as the Alawa, Kamuku and Kainji forest reserves have similarly been exploited by bandits and terror groups. The Kainji reserve is of particular concern because it is the gateway to the Southwest. It has become known as the new Sambisa. What was once a mere selected hideout is gradually becoming a stronghold, with JAS reported to have established a bomb making factory. We cannot allow terrorists to embed themselves in this particular forest.

Terrorist groups have long used thick forests to hide, stock up on munitions, and establish bases. The Sambisa forest alone covers 60,000 square kilometers across several northeastern states, including Borno, Yobe, Gombe, and Bauchi. It's a dense mixture of short trees, thorny bushes, and thick foilage that provides tactical camouflage from aerial surveilance. The NAF carry out painstaking ISR missions to identify targets in these areas and launch precision air interdiction strikes to destroy terrorist structures and weapons caches hidden under the foliage. That's one forest among dozens billeted all over the northeast and northwest. Other notable forests such as the Alawa, Kamuku and Kainji forest reserves have similarly been exploited by bandits and terror groups. The Kainji reserve is of particular concern because it is the gateway to the Southwest. It has become known as the new Sambisa. What was once a mere selected hideout is gradually becoming a stronghold, with JAS reported to have established a bomb making factory. We cannot allow terrorists to embed themselves in this particular forest.

44,329 views

Every Nigerian army patrol convoy should be accompanied by helicopters providing overwatch. This eliminates the threat of roadside ambushes on convoys. When the Aviation Corps goes active, helicopters riding shotgun should become standard practice.

Every Nigerian army patrol convoy should be accompanied by helicopters providing overwatch. This eliminates the threat of roadside ambushes on convoys. When the Aviation Corps goes active, helicopters riding shotgun should become standard practice.

163,293 views

Injured Nigerian troops following an ISWAP assault on the forward operating base in Gajiram, Borno State, were rapidly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters and flown to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri, the nearest military medical facility in the state.

Injured Nigerian troops following an ISWAP assault on the forward operating base in Gajiram, Borno State, were rapidly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters and flown to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri, the nearest military medical facility in the state.

120,819 views

Identify this young naval officer...

Identify this young naval officer...

18,423 views

During the Obama and Biden administration the U.S operated two military bases in Niger. A CIA facility in Niamey and a Predator drone base in Agadez, 750km from the Nigerian border . It was a critical asset for AFRICOM to monitor regional threats. The base in Agadez was the largest airman built project in U.S Air Force history, built at a cost of $110 million. From these bases, the U.S conducted regular armed patrols. Yet, despite this presence, U.S. counter-terrorism involvement in the region was strikingly limited. Over more than eight years of operations, there was not a single American kinetic strike against terrorist targets anywhere in the region. Nigeria repeatedly requested U.S. intelligence support and military equipment to combat terrorism. Those requests were rebuffed. The Obama administration declined to share intelligence gathered from its patrols and suspended the sale of military equipment to Nigeria.

During the Obama and Biden administration the U.S operated two military bases in Niger. A CIA facility in Niamey and a Predator drone base in Agadez, 750km from the Nigerian border . It was a critical asset for AFRICOM to monitor regional threats. The base in Agadez was the largest airman built project in U.S Air Force history, built at a cost of $110 million. From these bases, the U.S conducted regular armed patrols. Yet, despite this presence, U.S. counter-terrorism involvement in the region was strikingly limited. Over more than eight years of operations, there was not a single American kinetic strike against terrorist targets anywhere in the region. Nigeria repeatedly requested U.S. intelligence support and military equipment to combat terrorism. Those requests were rebuffed. The Obama administration declined to share intelligence gathered from its patrols and suspended the sale of military equipment to Nigeria.

75,876 views

Whether it’s Alpha Jets or A-29s, their appearance overhead is always met with cheers from troops on the ground because of what they represent; immediate close air support that can sometimes mean the difference between life and death in intense firefights.

Whether it’s Alpha Jets or A-29s, their appearance overhead is always met with cheers from troops on the ground because of what they represent; immediate close air support that can sometimes mean the difference between life and death in intense firefights.

58,108 views

NAF Special Forces Regiment (Panthers) on motorbikes.

NAF Special Forces Regiment (Panthers) on motorbikes.

24,678 views

The resignation on their faces says more than words ever could.

The resignation on their faces says more than words ever could.

20,589 views

Real men. Troops operating in waist deep water while on patrol in Baga.

Real men. Troops operating in waist deep water while on patrol in Baga.

19,139 views

Thunder and Tiger. Guardians of the Nigerian sky. These are the birds responsible for protecting Nigerian airspace.

Thunder and Tiger. Guardians of the Nigerian sky. These are the birds responsible for protecting Nigerian airspace.

31,508 views

Terrorists freely operate social media accounts to showcase their weapons, hideouts and even flaunt ransom. Nigeria should be able to track down these vermins by geolocating the videos and images they post online by now, even if they are smart enough to turnoff geotagging.

Terrorists freely operate social media accounts to showcase their weapons, hideouts and even flaunt ransom. Nigeria should be able to track down these vermins by geolocating the videos and images they post online by now, even if they are smart enough to turnoff geotagging.

14,345 views

Happy New Year to our soldiers who are fighting for our cause. May the year 2025 bring peace and bring everyone home. Your bravery and dedication is the foundation on which our nation’s safety stands.

Happy New Year to our soldiers who are fighting for our cause. May the year 2025 bring peace and bring everyone home. Your bravery and dedication is the foundation on which our nation’s safety stands.

15,257 views

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Nigerian troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI in an intense firefight with terrorists in Borno. In 99% of firefights, both sides do not have visual contact on the other. It's a game of shooting towards the sound of gunfire, hoping it registers a hit. This is the reality of combat..not what you see in action movies.
0:41
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Nigerian troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI in an intense firefight with terrorists in Borno. In 99% of firefights, both sides do not have visual contact on the other. It's a game of shooting towards the sound of gunfire, hoping it registers a hit. This is the reality of combat..not what you see in action movies.

Defense News Nigeria

141,026 views • 2 days ago

There is a symbiotic relationship between South American drug cartels and terrorist groups in West Africa. A cocaine shipment bound for West Africa, with a street value of $1 billion was recently intercepted with intel provided by AFRICOM. AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson
1:06
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There is a symbiotic relationship between South American drug cartels and terrorist groups in West Africa. A cocaine shipment bound for West Africa, with a street value of $1 billion was recently intercepted with intel provided by AFRICOM. AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson

Defense News Nigeria

1,300,225 views • 27 days ago

Three Mexican nationals and several cartel linked operatives arrested after an NDLEA raid on a massive methamphetamine laboratory hidden in a forest in Ogun State. Meth valued at over ₦480 billion were recovered. It is the largest meth lab ever uncovered in Nigeria.
3:44
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Three Mexican nationals and several cartel linked operatives arrested after an NDLEA raid on a massive methamphetamine laboratory hidden in a forest in Ogun State. Meth valued at over ₦480 billion were recovered. It is the largest meth lab ever uncovered in Nigeria.

Defense News Nigeria

1,228,500 views • 26 days ago

Of all the places, you chose to take your protest to a Nigerian Air Force Base, throwing buzzwords about budgets. Are these guys aware the air force is by far the most expensive arm of the military to run yet receives less funding than the army and navy? A fighter jet cost millions per flight hour to operate, not counting the cost of fueling and maintaining highly complex aircraft and avionics. The cost or a single precision guided munition used by these aircaft ranges from $50,000 to over $150,000. Nigerian Air Force's entire budget, when converted to USD is not enough to procure 12 modern fighter jets. Despite its limited resources, the Nigerian Air Force has been critical in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.
2:40
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Of all the places, you chose to take your protest to a Nigerian Air Force Base, throwing buzzwords about budgets. Are these guys aware the air force is by far the most expensive arm of the military to run yet receives less funding than the army and navy? A fighter jet cost millions per flight hour to operate, not counting the cost of fueling and maintaining highly complex aircraft and avionics. The cost or a single precision guided munition used by these aircaft ranges from $50,000 to over $150,000. Nigerian Air Force's entire budget, when converted to USD is not enough to procure 12 modern fighter jets. Despite its limited resources, the Nigerian Air Force has been critical in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.

Defense News Nigeria

164,477 views • 5 days ago

Footage from Burkina Faso shows militants planting an IED on a road taken out by a drone strike. The video also captures separate drone strikes against militants operating in Tongomayel and Sebba.
1:54
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Footage from Burkina Faso shows militants planting an IED on a road taken out by a drone strike. The video also captures separate drone strikes against militants operating in Tongomayel and Sebba.

Defense News Nigeria

137,048 views • 7 days ago

Footage from JNIM’s attack on the Beninese Army barracks at Koalou-Kourou, which left 12 soldiers dead. Benin has no airforce in practical terms, relying on a small fleet of 11 helicopters. No combat aircraft. JNIM faces no threat from the air, so they enjoy freedom of movement. The Nigerian Air Force will have to step in before the group continues its southward advance toward the coast.
4:05
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Footage from JNIM’s attack on the Beninese Army barracks at Koalou-Kourou, which left 12 soldiers dead. Benin has no airforce in practical terms, relying on a small fleet of 11 helicopters. No combat aircraft. JNIM faces no threat from the air, so they enjoy freedom of movement. The Nigerian Air Force will have to step in before the group continues its southward advance toward the coast.

Defense News Nigeria

268,520 views • 15 days ago

A force of more than 100 Cameroonian gendarmes reportedly crossed into Nigerian territory in Danare Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. A clear border violation. Cameroon have in recent years shown outright defiance to Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty and dammed the consequences to carrying out all sort of intimidation and harassment of Nigerians. They do this because previous incursions have been met with little or no meaningful response from Nigeria. In January 2018 more than 80 Cameroonian soldiers crossed the international border between Nigeria and Cameroun and invaded this same Danare community in Cross River State, claiming they were fighting Cameroon militants who took refuge in the community. The gendarmes stormed their village and started shooting, sending people running for safety. A year before in 2017 Cameroon soldiers numbering 50-100 invaded Danare village at 2 am in the morning, shooting sporadically and sending panic stricken villagers fleeing into the bush. This time they shot six residents and demanded the village head and some refugees. By the time they left in the morning they said their mission was to warn residents of Danare communities to be aware of their return to carry out a military raid. These audacious actions points to how weak the Cameroon government sees Nigeria and its security consciousness. Cameroonian troops have crossed into this particular community on four different occasions. Nigeria's response has largely been limited to maintaining a military presence in the area, without any retaliatory or punitive action.
0:37
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A force of more than 100 Cameroonian gendarmes reportedly crossed into Nigerian territory in Danare Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. A clear border violation. Cameroon have in recent years shown outright defiance to Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty and dammed the consequences to carrying out all sort of intimidation and harassment of Nigerians. They do this because previous incursions have been met with little or no meaningful response from Nigeria. In January 2018 more than 80 Cameroonian soldiers crossed the international border between Nigeria and Cameroun and invaded this same Danare community in Cross River State, claiming they were fighting Cameroon militants who took refuge in the community. The gendarmes stormed their village and started shooting, sending people running for safety. A year before in 2017 Cameroon soldiers numbering 50-100 invaded Danare village at 2 am in the morning, shooting sporadically and sending panic stricken villagers fleeing into the bush. This time they shot six residents and demanded the village head and some refugees. By the time they left in the morning they said their mission was to warn residents of Danare communities to be aware of their return to carry out a military raid. These audacious actions points to how weak the Cameroon government sees Nigeria and its security consciousness. Cameroonian troops have crossed into this particular community on four different occasions. Nigeria's response has largely been limited to maintaining a military presence in the area, without any retaliatory or punitive action.

Defense News Nigeria

95,355 views • 5 days ago

Mauritania built a fairly capable air force and focused their investments on counterinsurgency oriented weapons rather than tools for regime preservation.
1:53
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Mauritania built a fairly capable air force and focused their investments on counterinsurgency oriented weapons rather than tools for regime preservation.

Defense News Nigeria

408,894 views • 1 month ago

How the operation to take down Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki went down. The weapons systems used : MQ-9 Reapers. AC-130 Spectre gunship.
4:09
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How the operation to take down Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki went down. The weapons systems used : MQ-9 Reapers. AC-130 Spectre gunship.

Defense News Nigeria

155,002 views • 1 month ago

JNIM militants looting weapons from captured Malian military bases. This provides the militant group with a steady stream of military grade hardware, enabling them to expand operations across the Sahel.
0:44
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JNIM militants looting weapons from captured Malian military bases. This provides the militant group with a steady stream of military grade hardware, enabling them to expand operations across the Sahel.

Defense News Nigeria

53,417 views • 11 days ago

The Nigerians have been instrumental throughout the last several months developing the target, helping with the intelligence, and providing support. So it could not have been done by our own forces, we needed to do that in conjunction with them. AFRICOM CMDR, Dagvin Anderson.
0:32
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The Nigerians have been instrumental throughout the last several months developing the target, helping with the intelligence, and providing support. So it could not have been done by our own forces, we needed to do that in conjunction with them. AFRICOM CMDR, Dagvin Anderson.

Defense News Nigeria

114,487 views • 26 days ago

The life of a terrorist in the age of precision guided munitions. One minute, they are smiling, the next meeting, they find themselves in the afterlife.
0:23
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The life of a terrorist in the age of precision guided munitions. One minute, they are smiling, the next meeting, they find themselves in the afterlife.

Defense News Nigeria

155,866 views • 1 month ago

After eliminating piracy in Nigeria's territorial waters, Africa's largest navy is now turning its attention to combating oil theft.
2:29
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After eliminating piracy in Nigeria's territorial waters, Africa's largest navy is now turning its attention to combating oil theft.

Defense News Nigeria

102,819 views • 24 days ago

Footage captures an artillery round hitting a cluster of JNIM fighters as they gathered to stage an attack on Bamako on April 25.
1:00
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Footage captures an artillery round hitting a cluster of JNIM fighters as they gathered to stage an attack on Bamako on April 25.

Defense News Nigeria

114,005 views • 1 month ago

The Nigerian Air Force struck terrorists moving to launch attacks in Niger State, successfully foiling their operation before it could be executed.
0:46
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The Nigerian Air Force struck terrorists moving to launch attacks in Niger State, successfully foiling their operation before it could be executed.

Defense News Nigeria

64,322 views • 21 days ago

JNIM and IS-Sahel (ISSP) militants gunning for each other in Kebbi State, with JNIM reportedly killing one ISSP fighter and capturing another.
1:14
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JNIM and IS-Sahel (ISSP) militants gunning for each other in Kebbi State, with JNIM reportedly killing one ISSP fighter and capturing another.

Defense News Nigeria

178,788 views • 2 months ago

Amid the demanding operational environment of the Lake Chad axis, Nigerian troops find a rare moment of relaxation and camaraderie while playing volleyball during their downtime.
1:06
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Amid the demanding operational environment of the Lake Chad axis, Nigerian troops find a rare moment of relaxation and camaraderie while playing volleyball during their downtime.

Defense News Nigeria

15,967 views • 5 days ago

This footage of JNIM's April attacks on Kidal, Mali shows why the group is regarded as the most well armed and dangerous militant group in Africa. They deployed armored vehicles, mortar systems, and gun trucks mounted with anti-aircraft weapons to overwhelm their target.
2:01
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This footage of JNIM's April attacks on Kidal, Mali shows why the group is regarded as the most well armed and dangerous militant group in Africa. They deployed armored vehicles, mortar systems, and gun trucks mounted with anti-aircraft weapons to overwhelm their target.

Defense News Nigeria

14,033 views • 5 days ago

Looking at their phenotype, these guys do not look Nigerian. But are they actually bandits as social media reports claim, or simply herders? Were any weapons recovered from them? Proper investigations should be conducted, and the facts established before labels are assigned.
1:35
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Looking at their phenotype, these guys do not look Nigerian. But are they actually bandits as social media reports claim, or simply herders? Were any weapons recovered from them? Proper investigations should be conducted, and the facts established before labels are assigned.

Defense News Nigeria

31,533 views • 12 days ago

NAF Jets Pound Terrorist Hideout, Neutralising Scores of Insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin on 10 June, 2026.
1:09
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NAF Jets Pound Terrorist Hideout, Neutralising Scores of Insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin on 10 June, 2026.

Defense News Nigeria

12,595 views • 5 days ago