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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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A terrorist on a motorcycle inadvertently led Nigerian Air Force surveillance assets straight to his comrades hiding under dense vegetation. Moments later, a precision strike is carried out on their position.

A terrorist on a motorcycle inadvertently led Nigerian Air Force surveillance assets straight to his comrades hiding under dense vegetation. Moments later, a precision strike is carried out on their position.

112,627 views

Battlefield lessons from the Ukraine conflict are shaping military tactics worldwide. China has begun training its troops on how to evade drone threats. The goal here is to dodge or evade them at the last second by relying on quick reflexes, dropping to the ground. It's hard to see how that would play out in a real world combat environment.

Battlefield lessons from the Ukraine conflict are shaping military tactics worldwide. China has begun training its troops on how to evade drone threats. The goal here is to dodge or evade them at the last second by relying on quick reflexes, dropping to the ground. It's hard to see how that would play out in a real world combat environment.

28,818 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

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.

44,638 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.

121,379 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

Identify this young naval officer...

Identify this young naval officer...

18,663 views

NAF Special Forces Regiment (Panthers) on motorbikes.

NAF Special Forces Regiment (Panthers) on motorbikes.

24,680 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

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A couple years ago, Nigerian Navy SBS Special Operations Forces trained U.S. Marines in riverine small boat tactics. You won't find Nigerian SBS operators boasting about it, that professionalism speaks for itself. This guy, who came to Nigeria over a decade ago during the early stages of the insurgency, made a YouTube video on the subject a few years back. His outdated and distorted narrative shows he was mid level instructor with a limited grasp of the broader operational picture. The fact that he's still recycling the same talking points speaks volumes about his shallow and immature mindset. You won't find other U.S. instructors making remarks like this. This is clearly someone retired, chasing relevance and validation, recycling outdated talking points.
0:46
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A couple years ago, Nigerian Navy SBS Special Operations Forces trained U.S. Marines in riverine small boat tactics. You won't find Nigerian SBS operators boasting about it, that professionalism speaks for itself. This guy, who came to Nigeria over a decade ago during the early stages of the insurgency, made a YouTube video on the subject a few years back. His outdated and distorted narrative shows he was mid level instructor with a limited grasp of the broader operational picture. The fact that he's still recycling the same talking points speaks volumes about his shallow and immature mindset. You won't find other U.S. instructors making remarks like this. This is clearly someone retired, chasing relevance and validation, recycling outdated talking points.

Defense News Nigeria

154,279 views • 6 days ago

Footage from the attempted ISWAP infiltration night attack. Troops responded with rocket artillery that can strike enemy positions at ranges of up to 22 km, disrupting the assault before it could gain momentum.
1:00
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Footage from the attempted ISWAP infiltration night attack. Troops responded with rocket artillery that can strike enemy positions at ranges of up to 22 km, disrupting the assault before it could gain momentum.

Defense News Nigeria

121,795 views • 6 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

1,306,608 views • 2 months 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

1,233,873 views • 1 month ago

Nigerian troops quietly advancing on Boko Haram positions.
1:08
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Nigerian troops quietly advancing on Boko Haram positions.

Defense News Nigeria

437,635 views • 24 days ago

The most animated terrorist commander. His erratic rambling propaganda videos show he was most definitely under the influence of drugs.
1:08
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The most animated terrorist commander. His erratic rambling propaganda videos show he was most definitely under the influence of drugs.

Defense News Nigeria

279,275 views • 26 days ago

The Nigerian Air Force struck a terrorist enclave at Yanagari in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State on July 10, 2026.
1:10
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The Nigerian Air Force struck a terrorist enclave at Yanagari in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State on July 10, 2026.

Defense News Nigeria

60,782 views • 8 days ago

Video of SP Abdurrazak Hassan, Commander of the EOD Unit in Zamfara State, recorded just yesterday before he and his team embarked on an operation that would tragically become his last. He was one of three police officers killed on Monday after their vehicle struck an IED planted by terrorists in Zamfara. The officers were conducting a routine patrol targeting armed groups along the Anka–Bagega axis when one of the police unit’s armoured personnel carriers ran over the IED buried by the terrorists. All three fallen officers were trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists attached to the Zamfara State Police Command. According to reports, following the explosion, armed bandits emerged from the surrounding forest, torched the damaged armoured vehicle, and then retreated back into the bush.
1:31

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Video of SP Abdurrazak Hassan, Commander of the EOD Unit in Zamfara State, recorded just yesterday before he and his team embarked on an operation that would tragically become his last. He was one of three police officers killed on Monday after their vehicle struck an IED planted by terrorists in Zamfara. The officers were conducting a routine patrol targeting armed groups along the Anka–Bagega axis when one of the police unit’s armoured personnel carriers ran over the IED buried by the terrorists. All three fallen officers were trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists attached to the Zamfara State Police Command. According to reports, following the explosion, armed bandits emerged from the surrounding forest, torched the damaged armoured vehicle, and then retreated back into the bush.

Defense News Nigeria

248,210 views • 1 month ago

For over 80 years, the Pentagon held the title of the world's largest defense headquarters. We now have a new title holder. The OCTAGON. Egypt has just unveiled the world's largest military Headquaters, called the Octagon. The massive 22,000 acre complex, built as the nerve center for Egypts armed forces, is larger than the U.S. Pentagon.
1:25
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For over 80 years, the Pentagon held the title of the world's largest defense headquarters. We now have a new title holder. The OCTAGON. Egypt has just unveiled the world's largest military Headquaters, called the Octagon. The massive 22,000 acre complex, built as the nerve center for Egypts armed forces, is larger than the U.S. Pentagon.

Defense News Nigeria

97,257 views • 14 days ago

NDLEA operatives raided another industrial scale meth lab in an Oyo forest, arresting four Mexicans and recovering illicit substances worth billions of naira. This meth lab was operated by a Nigerian Mexican cartel deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North LGA. Oyo State. This comes barely a month after the NDLEA uncovered and shut down a similar clandestine meth lab in a forest in Ogun State, where several Mexican suspects were also arrested. The growing presence of Mexican drug cartel specialists in Southwest Nigeria is concerning. Kudos to the NDLEA for successfully tracking and dismantling these clandestine drug laboratories.
5:25
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NDLEA operatives raided another industrial scale meth lab in an Oyo forest, arresting four Mexicans and recovering illicit substances worth billions of naira. This meth lab was operated by a Nigerian Mexican cartel deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North LGA. Oyo State. This comes barely a month after the NDLEA uncovered and shut down a similar clandestine meth lab in a forest in Ogun State, where several Mexican suspects were also arrested. The growing presence of Mexican drug cartel specialists in Southwest Nigeria is concerning. Kudos to the NDLEA for successfully tracking and dismantling these clandestine drug laboratories.

Defense News Nigeria

162,955 views • 25 days ago

Nigerian Special Forces in the mountains. "Shame to the terrorists, glory to the Special Forces" High altitude mountaineering while carrying heavy combat equipment is an exceptionally demanding physical challenge.
0:40
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Nigerian Special Forces in the mountains. "Shame to the terrorists, glory to the Special Forces" High altitude mountaineering while carrying heavy combat equipment is an exceptionally demanding physical challenge.

Defense News Nigeria

86,305 views • 14 days ago

Azawad fighters in Mali. These militants want their own independent state by all means. It's incredible what has become of West Africa. Since the NATO bombing of Libya in 2011 and the uncontrolled influx of weapons into the Sahel, the region has never been the same.
0:26
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Azawad fighters in Mali. These militants want their own independent state by all means. It's incredible what has become of West Africa. Since the NATO bombing of Libya in 2011 and the uncontrolled influx of weapons into the Sahel, the region has never been the same.

Defense News Nigeria

62,343 views • 10 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

271,952 views • 1 month 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 • 2 months 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

165,695 views • 1 month ago

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

147,270 views • 1 month ago

A USAF C17 Globemaster III departing Lagos.
0:28
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A USAF C17 Globemaster III departing Lagos.

Defense News Nigeria

34,701 views • 8 days ago

Nigerian Air Force and Nollywood partnership and skills exchange. A collaborative partnership to achieve technical excellence, realism, and accurate storytelling in military themed movies.
1:30
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Nigerian Air Force and Nollywood partnership and skills exchange. A collaborative partnership to achieve technical excellence, realism, and accurate storytelling in military themed movies.

Defense News Nigeria

42,087 views • 12 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

137,808 views • 1 month ago

The footage captures the Islamic State's assault on the Nigerien military base in Inatès on June 17, 2026. Niger’s once served as a crucial buffer against Sahelian militants, preventing insurgencies in Mali and Burkina Faso from directly spilling into northern Nigeria. That is no longer the case. The writing has been on the wall for years, giving Nigeria ample opportunity to reinforce border security with Niger.
0:29
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The footage captures the Islamic State's assault on the Nigerien military base in Inatès on June 17, 2026. Niger’s once served as a crucial buffer against Sahelian militants, preventing insurgencies in Mali and Burkina Faso from directly spilling into northern Nigeria. That is no longer the case. The writing has been on the wall for years, giving Nigeria ample opportunity to reinforce border security with Niger.

Defense News Nigeria

61,481 views • 21 days ago