US offers Niger operations centre to fight Boko Haram
The US turned over a communications and operations centre to the Niger army on Monday to help the African nation battle Boko Haram.
The planning and operations control centre, worth $16.5 million, is designed to help Niger forces sychronise its operations through improved communications, US Ambassador Eric Whitaker said during the handover ceremony.
Niger has taken on an important geostrategic role in the US fight against Islamist extremist groups in Africa, and the centre known as a C2 Node comprises two tactical operations units equipped with sophisticated communications material. It aims to 'streamline pertinent battlefield information to commanders, so that they can best employ their forces,' a copy of Whitaker's remarks said.
The US has already provided Niger with Cessna C-208 surveillance planes, armoured personnel vehicles and small craft known as mud boats, along with other equipment and training.
'We believe all these capabilities are critical to helping Niger defeat Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations,' Whitaker said.
The US also operates an aerial drone base in Agadez that provides surveillance of Boko Haram units and others allied with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb that operate along borders with Libya, Mali and Nigeria.
Niamey has also given the US permission to base armed drones on its soil.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
