US approves sale of $346m bombs, missiles and others to Nigeria

The United States government has approved the sale of high-powered precision bombs, rockets, missiles, and other military ammunition worth an estimated $346 million to Nigeria.

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations and combating illicit trafficking within the country and the Gulf of Guinea.

The proposed package 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, MK66-4 rocket motors, and additional related equipment. Non-major items include FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, practice rockets, integration support, and US government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support.

The DSCA named Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems as the contractors for the sale.

“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. “The proposed sale will 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 2022, the US had approved another $997 million military package to Nigeria, including 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 advanced precision kill weapon system guidance sections, and a night vision imaging system.

Source: LIB