The proposed assistance is expected to be delivered through the European Peace Facility, an EU mechanism that supports international partners in security and defence-related efforts. An EU technical delegation is expected to visit Abuja in November 2026 to discuss the arrangements and agree on how the support will be delivered.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Leah Katung-Babatunde, an aide to the defence minister, following a meeting between Musa and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

The discussions focused on bilateral defence cooperation and a review of security collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union.

Musa expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support for Nigeria’s security efforts and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He said the country was making progress towards improved security through the efforts of the military and other security agencies. However, he acknowledged that kidnappings along major highways and attacks on remote communities remained significant challenges.

The minister also disclosed that Nigeria was expecting 10 attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other critical military equipment through initiatives pursued by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The equipment is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, although the statement did not provide a confirmed delivery date.

Musa further highlighted the security implications of environmental changes in the Lake Chad Basin, a region supporting millions of people across several countries. He warned that the shrinking lake and the resulting pressure on livelihoods could contribute to instability if the underlying challenges were not adequately addressed.

He also identified the need to prevent terrorist groups from using islands and other locations around Lake Chad as operational bases, stressing the importance of continued cooperation among countries participating in the Multinational Joint Task Force.

The minister called for greater attention to victims of conflict under the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme. He said military personnel affected by conflict should also receive appropriate consideration and support.

Mignot, in his remarks, commended Nigeria’s efforts to address security challenges and invited Musa to attend a meeting of defence ministers scheduled to take place in Brussels later in the year.

The EU ambassador also praised a recent conference involving former and serving commanders of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which brought together representatives of the African Union and the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

According to the statement, the planned visit by the EU technical delegation is expected to help settle the practical arrangements for the proposed €20 million assistance.

The proposed support comes as Nigeria continues to seek international cooperation, military equipment and regional partnerships to address terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats. The final delivery arrangements and timing of the EU assistance remain subject to further discussions.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media