US Approves $346M Weapons Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

The United States has approved the sale of advanced precision bombs, rockets, missiles, and other military equipment worth an estimated $346 million to Nigeria.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the deal aims to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations and curb illicit trafficking both within the country and across the Gulf of Guinea.

The military package includes 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500 lb bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II high-explosive warheads, MK66-4 rocket motors, and related equipment. Other items include FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, practice rockets, integration support, and comprehensive technical, engineering, and logistics assistance from the US government and contractors.

Defense giants Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defense, and BAE Systems have been named as the main contractors for the supply.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the DSCA stated. “It will enhance Nigeria’s ability to counter current and future threats, including terrorist organizations, and disrupt illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”

This is not the first major arms deal between both nations. In 2022, the US approved a $997 million package for Nigeria, which included 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 precision weapon guidance systems, and night vision imaging equipment.