US Approves $346 Million Military Arms Sale to Nigeria

The United States has authorised the sale of high-powered precision bombs, rockets, missiles, and other ammunition worth an estimated $346 million to Nigeria.

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the deal is intended to bolster Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations and combat illicit trafficking both within the country and across the Gulf of Guinea.

The 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 other related equipment. Additional items cover FMU-139 programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, practice rockets, integration support, and technical, engineering, and logistics assistance from the US government and contractors.

Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems have been named as contractors for the sale.

The DSCA stated the agreement would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address present and future threats, particularly against terrorist organisations and in efforts to curb illicit trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea, while also advancing US foreign policy and national security objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2022, the US approved a separate $997 million package for Nigeria, which included 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 precision weapon guidance sections, and a night vision imaging system.