U.S. Approves $346M in Arms Sales to Nigeria

The US State Department has approved a potential $346 million arms sale to Nigeria, including precision-guided bombs and rockets. The package aims to enhance Nigeria's defense capabilities against terrorist organizations and other security threats. The deal is subject to Congressional review.

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $346 million arms sale to Nigeria, including precision-guided bombs and rockets. The package aims to enhance Nigeria's defense capabilities against terrorist organizations and other security threats. The deal is subject to Congressional review [1].

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the approval, stating that the sale includes 1,002 Mk-82 227kg (500lb) bombs, air foil groups for stability and control, fuzes, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rounds, and related equipment [1]. The Nigerian Air Force, which operates 12 Super Tucanos, will receive the munitions [1].

The proposed sale is part of the U.S.'s strategy to support Nigeria's national security objectives and counter threats such as Boko Haram and illicit trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea [1, 2]. Nigeria has faced a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram, a homegrown jihadist group that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions [2].

The sale will improve Nigeria's operational capabilities against terrorist organizations and counter illicit trafficking, with no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness [2]. The primary contractors for the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) are RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems [3].

The Nigerian military has been stepping up air strikes against Boko Haram, with recent operations resulting in the killing of 592 terrorists in Borno state over the past eight months [4]. The Nigerian Air Force has logged over 1,500 operational flight hours under Operation Hadin Kai, demonstrating the potential impact of enhanced capabilities.

References:
[1] https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/us-approves-346-million-guided-weapons-sale-to-nigeria/164166.article
[2] https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-weapons-sale-us-pentagon-security-46ef84cebf80f677ec7c3d402b89e8cb
[3] https://euro-sd.com/2025/08/major-news/45916/munitions-fms-for-nigeria/
[4] https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/cf70a644d84a