By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United States has approved Nigeria’s request to purchase advanced ammunition, precision bombs, and rockets worth an estimated $346 million to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism and maritime security operations.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday that the US State Department had cleared the deal, which 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, and MK66-4 rocket motors, among other equipment.
The package also covers associated technical and logistical support to enable smooth integration into Nigeria’s armed forces.
According to the DSCA, the acquisition will enhance Nigeria’s capability to combat terrorist organisations and curb illicit trafficking within the country and across the Gulf of Guinea.
“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 agency said.
It added that the deal “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and that Nigeria “will have no difficulty integrating these munitions into its armed forces.”
The prime contractors for the sale are US defence giants Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and UK-based BAE Systems.
Lockheed is renowned for advanced fighter jets, missile systems, and space technologies; RTX specialises in precision weapons, air defence, and radar systems; while BAE Systems is Europe’s largest defence contractor, producing military aircraft, naval ships, and armoured vehicles.
The DSCA noted that the dollar value reflects the highest estimated quantity and that the final cost may be lower depending on Nigeria’s requirements, budgetary approvals, and the terms of a signed agreement.
This is the second major US-Nigeria arms deal in recent years.
In 2022, Washington approved the sale of 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 precision weapon guidance systems, and night vision equipment worth $997 million to Abuja.
