The United States has approved a proposed $346 million arms sale to Nigeria, a move designed to boost the West African nation’s fight against terrorism and other security threats.
The package, which still awaits final approval from US Congress, includes a significant arsenal: 1,002 MK-82 general purpose 500-pound bombs, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) precision-guided rockets, as well as specialized bomb parts, fuzes, integration kits, and technical support. Key US defense contractors—Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defense, and BAE Systems—have been named as contractors for the sale.
Strategic aims and regional context
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that the proposed deal is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to address evolving security threats, including terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The US government highlighted that the sale aligns with Washington’s broader policy of enhancing the security of key partners in sub-Saharan Africa without negatively impacting US defense readiness.
Nigeria’s security challenges remain significant, with military offensives ongoing in multiple flashpoints across the country—including the insurgencies in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta, and piracy in regional waters.
Details of the arms package
- Bombs and Rockets: The approved list features 1,002 MK-82 bombs, over 5,000 APKWS II precision rockets, computer control groups for Paveway bomb kits, programmable fuzes, and a variety of integration components and support systems.
- Support Equipment: The deal also covers logistics, engineering, and technical support, but does not involve any deployment of additional US personnel to Nigeria.
Recent history of military cooperation
This deal follows a $997 million US-Nigeria agreement in 2022 for AH-1Z attack helicopters, reinforcing Washington’s ongoing military cooperation with Abuja. The US has supplied Nigeria with equipment and training, particularly since the surge of Boko Haram’s insurgency in 2009, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Political and transparency concerns
While the arms sale is widely seen as critical to Nigeria’s security operations, its announcement has coincided with unrelated domestic controversies in Nigeria, sparking debate about transparency and governance at the highest levels.
As in prior arms transactions with Nigeria, there remain calls—both within the US and Nigeria—for strict oversight to ensure the military aid is used appropriately and does not contribute to further human rights concerns or corruption.
The approved sale now moves to the US Congress for review, where lawmakers have the power to block or request modifications to the deal.
This new arms package marks a significant strengthening of US-Nigeria defence ties, reflecting Washington’s ongoing support for West African stability as Nigeria steps up military operations against a variety of security threats
