US Nigeria arms deal worth \$346m approved to boost counterterrorism and security operations with precision munitions and rockets

US Nigeria arms deal worth \$346 million has been approved by the United States government, paving the way for the sale of munitions, precision bombs, precision rockets, and related equipment to boost Nigeria’s military capabilities.

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The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the approval in a statement dated August 13, notifying the US Congress of the potential sale.

Under the request, Nigeria aims to acquire 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500-pound bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-12, 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-58, 1,517 computer control groups, 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up-rounds.

The package also includes FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration support, test equipment, and logistical services.

According to the DSCA, the sale will enhance Nigeria’s ability to tackle current and future threats, including counterterrorism operations and efforts against illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

“This proposed sale will support US foreign policy goals by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the statement read, adding that Nigeria will have no difficulty absorbing the munitions into its armed forces.

The principal contractors for the deal are RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and BAE Systems.