U.S. Approves $346 Million Weapons Sale to Boost Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Edited By : Aminata Diallo

The United States has authorized the sale of $346 million worth of munitions, bombs, and precision rockets to Nigeria in a move aimed at bolstering the West African nation’s fight against terrorism.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, the deal is designed to strengthen the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with Washington’s foreign policy objectives.

Nigeria’s request reportedly includes over 1,000 MK-82 500-lb bombs, a weapon type recently used by Israel in Gaza, as well as 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), laser-guided bomb kits, high-explosive rockets, and technical support services. “The proposed sale will enhance Nigeria’s ability to confront current and emerging threats, conduct counter-terrorism operations, and combat illicit trafficking both domestically and in the Gulf of Guinea,” the State Department said.

The decision comes amid an escalation of attacks in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These insurgencies have killed thousands, displaced entire communities, and destabilized large swaths of territory.

In response, Nigeria’s armed forces have stepped up operations. Chief of Air Staff Hasan Abubakar revealed on Tuesday that 592 terrorists were eliminated in Borno State over the past eight months. “This year, our air campaign is faster, more precise, and more surgical,” Abubakar stated. “We are targeting high-value leaders, crippling logistics networks, and dismantling terrorist cells in the northeast.”

The new shipment of U.S. precision weapons is expected to significantly reinforce Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities at a time when security challenges are intensifying.