US approves Sh44 billion weapons sale to boost Nigeria’s fight against insurgency
The US State Department granted the approval after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale on Wednesday.
The United States has approved a Sh44.7 billion ($346 million) weapons sale, including precision bombs and rockets, to Nigeria, as the West African nation continues to battle insurgency attacks that have killed thousands and displaced many more.
Despite intensified military operations and airstrikes targeting armed groups, the violence has shown no sign of easing, raising fears of a deepening humanitarian and security crisis
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The US State Department approved after the Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale on Wednesday.
According to the Security Cooperation Agency, Nigeria has requested more than 1,000 MK-82 general-purpose bombs, over 1,500 computer control groups for Paveway II guided bombs, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rockets, along with fuzes, bomb components and other related equipment.
"The following non-MDE (Major Defence Equipment) items will also be included: FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes; bomb components, impulse cartridges, and high-explosive and practice rockets; integration support and test equipment."
"The total estimated program cost is Sh44.7 billion ($346 million). This 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."
The deal will be supplied by specific contractors, including RTX Missiles and Defence, Lockheed Martin Corporation and BAE Systems.
The contractors will also include extensive support services, with US contractors providing technical expertise, engineering, logistics, integration support and training.
"At this time, the US Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor," reads the document.
According to the US, the sale will not alter the military balance in the region and will have no adverse impact on US defence readiness.
"Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Nigeria," the US said.
"There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale."
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