The United States government has formally approved a major arms sale to Nigeria, authorizing the supply of precision-guided bombs, missiles, rockets, and other advanced ammunition valued at approximately $346 million. The deal, announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), is designed to significantly enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities, improve its defence readiness, and strengthen maritime security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.
In its statement on Wednesday, the DSCA confirmed that Nigeria’s request includes 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500-pound bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups (AFGs), and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II high-explosive warheads. The package will also deliver MK66-4 rocket motors, FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, impulse cartridges, bomb components, high-explosive and practice rockets, as well as integration support and test equipment.
Beyond weapons supply, the agreement includes technical, engineering, and logistical support from the US government and defense contractors to ensure the seamless integration and operational effectiveness of the new systems. Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defense, and BAE Systems have been named as the key contractors responsible for fulfilling the order.
The DSCA emphasized that the sale aligns with Washington’s broader foreign policy and national security objectives, particularly in strengthening partnerships with strategic allies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The US views Nigeria as a critical security partner in the fight against violent extremist organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as in efforts to counter transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking along the West African coast.
“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 said. “It will enhance Nigeria’s capability to meet current and future threats, enabling more effective operations against terrorist organizations and more robust maritime security enforcement in the Gulf of Guinea.”
This is not the first time the US has approved a major military package for Nigeria. In 2022, Washington signed off on a $997 million sale that included 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections, and night vision imaging systems to support Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and special operations missions.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, has faced persistent security threats, including armed insurgencies in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and piracy in its territorial waters. The Gulf of Guinea has long been recognized as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones, accounting for a high percentage of global incidents of ship hijackings and crew kidnappings.
By bolstering its aerial precision strike capabilities and strengthening its military inventory, Nigeria is expected to respond more rapidly and effectively to these threats. Analysts believe that the new weapons systems will also help reduce collateral damage in counter-terrorism operations, allowing for more targeted strikes on insurgent and criminal networks.
With this latest US-approved sale, the strategic defense cooperation between Abuja and Washington continues to deepen, sending a strong signal about the importance of Nigeria’s role in regional security and stability in West and Central Africa. The deal now awaits the completion of final regulatory procedures before deliveries can commence in the coming months.
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