Nigeria Secures $346m US Weapons Deal in Major Security Upgrade

The United States has approved the sale of precision bombs, missiles, rockets, and other ammunition worth $346 million to Nigeria.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the package is designed to bolster Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities and fight illicit trafficking both within the country and across the Gulf of Guinea.

According to the agency, the deal will significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to tackle current and emerging security threats.

“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,” DSCA stated.

The US arms sale to Nigeria will include 1,002 MK-82 general purpose 500 lb bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II high-explosive warheads.

The package also covers MK66-4 rocket motors, FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, practice rockets, impulse cartridges, and integration support.

Moreover, the US will provide contractor technical, engineering, and logistics assistance, with Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems named as the principal suppliers.

The DSCA stressed that the arms deal is expected to “improve Nigeria’s capability to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organisations and to counter illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”

In addition, the arrangement reflects Washington’s continued strategic engagement with Abuja in regional security matters.

The decision comes just three years after the US approved a $997 million military package for Nigeria in 2022, which included 12 attack helicopters and 2,000 advanced precision kill weapon system guidance sections.

Meanwhile, security analysts say the sudden approval of this latest sale signals a renewed urgency in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.