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The United States government has authorized the sale of military munitions, precision-guided weapons, and technical support worth an estimated $346 million to Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening the West African nation’s fight against rising terrorist threats.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department released on Wednesday, the weapons package is intended to enhance Nigeria’s security capabilities and support broader U.S. foreign policy objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Washington described Nigeria as a “strategic partner” in the region, noting that the deal aligns with its goal of promoting stability and countering transnational threats.
The approved list of armaments includes over 1,000 MK-82 500-pound bombs, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), laser-guided bomb kits, high-explosive rockets, and associated logistical and technical services. These assets are designed to enable more precise targeting and minimize collateral damage during military operations.
“The proposed sale will improve Nigeria’s capacity to address both current and future threats by enabling effective operations against terrorist organizations and curbing illicit trafficking within its borders and across the Gulf of Guinea,” the State Department statement read.
Nigeria has been grappling with a protracted insurgency in its northern region, driven by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The violence has led to mass displacement, significant civilian casualties, and the destruction of infrastructure in affected communities.
In recent months, the Nigerian military has intensified its counter-offensives. Air Force Chief Hasan Abubakar revealed on Tuesday that in the past eight months alone, security forces have neutralized 592 insurgents in Borno State, a long-time stronghold for extremist factions.
“This year, our air campaign has been faster, more precise, and strategically targeted,” Abubakar stated. “We are dismantling terrorist networks, striking high-value targets, and crippling the logistical systems that sustain these groups.”
The delivery of advanced U.S. munitions is expected to give Nigerian forces a significant operational edge, particularly in precision strikes against militant hideouts and supply routes. Military analysts believe that improved targeting capability could accelerate efforts to reclaim occupied territories and restore stability in affected areas.
While the deal has been welcomed by Abuja as a boost to national defense, it also underscores the deepening security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, a relationship built on shared interests in combating terrorism, safeguarding trade routes, and promoting regional stability.