US approves $346 million arms sale to Nigeria to boost counterterrorism and anti-trafficking efforts.
The package includes bombs, rockets, and advanced precision weapons from top global defence contractors.
The United States has approved a potential $346 million arms deal with Nigeria, covering advanced precision weapons, guided bombs, and rockets aimed at enhancing the country’s counterterrorism and anti-trafficking operations.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the approval on Wednesday, stating that the request includes 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups, 5,000 units of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II, MK66-4 rocket motors, FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, and practice rockets.
The package will be supplied by leading defence contractors Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems. Lockheed Martin is renowned for its F-35 fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, and missile defence systems. UK-based BAE Systems, Europe’s largest defence manufacturer, produces naval vessels, armoured vehicles, and advanced defence electronics.
According to the DSCA, the sale will strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and disrupt illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. The deal, officials said, aligns with US foreign policy by reinforcing the capabilities of a key partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and will not upset the region’s military balance.
The figures represent the maximum approved quantities and value, with the final scope subject to budget, operational requirements, and formal agreements. The DSCA noted that Nigeria is expected to integrate the equipment without difficulty.
This approval follows the US government’s 2022 clearance of a $997 million package for Nigeria, which included 12 attack helicopters, precision guidance systems, and night vision equipment, further deepening military cooperation between both nations.
