The United States has donated $2 million worth of nuclear detection equipment to assist the police check the smuggling of nuclear weapons into and within Nigeria.

The equipment donated is part of a bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria to provide security across the country.

A statement by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos on Friday, the five new mobile radiation detection systems were donated by the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration in partnership with the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD).

The equipment was received by the commissioner of police in charge of explosive ordinance disposal and chemical, bioological, radiological and nuclear command, Zannah Shettima, on behalf of the police in an event held on Friday at Ikeja.

A total of 40 police officers took part in a two-week intensive training on the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

The U.S. consulate assistant regional security officer, Jon Dvorak, described the equipment donation as an important step in advancing the robust U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation.

Mr Dvorak noted that the equipment donated will enhance the police’s ability to interdict the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material into and within the country.

“Nigeria remains one of the United States’ key partners in combating the smuggling of illicit nuclear and radioactive material,” he said.

The mission of U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence plans to build global capability to detect, disrupt, and investigate the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material before it can be used in an act of terrorism.

The office had partnered with over 100 agencies in more than 70 countries around the world.