Washington Okays $346M Arms Deal with Nigeria to Boost Counterterrorism Efforts
The United States has given the green light for a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Nigeria, involving advanced munitions, precision,guided bombs, rockets, and other related equipment, with an estimated value of $346 million.
According to a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed sale aims to bolster Nigeria’s defense capabilities, particularly in counterterrorism, anti-insurgency, and national security operations.
The package reportedly includes:
• Precision-guided bombs
• Advanced rockets
• Ammunition and accessories
• Training and support equipment
The DSCA noted that the sale is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to meet current and future threats, while also improving interoperability with US forces and allied nations.
While the move has been welcomed by Nigerian defense officials, it has also sparked debates among analysts and human rights groups. Some have raised concerns about the risk of misuse in civilian areas, calling for strict oversight and adherence to international humanitarian laws.
The approval does not yet mean a final contract the Nigerian government must still complete negotiations and finalize procurement terms.
If concluded, this arms deal would mark another significant milestone in the security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, following previous collaborations on counterterrorism training and intelligence sharing.
