Washington approves potential $346 million in military sales to Nigeria
The US State Department on Wednesday approved a potential military sale to the Nigerian government of ammunition, precision bombs, missiles, and other military equipment, valued at approximately $346 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), part of the US Department of Defense, stated in a statement that it had provided the necessary certification to notify Congress of this potential sale, through which Nigeria had requested the purchase of 1,002 MK-82 bombs and 1,002 MXU-650 airfoil kits.
The deal also included a request to purchase 515 airframe kits, 1,517 computer control kits, 5,000 Advanced Precision Weapon System (APSW) ammunition, and high-explosive and training missiles.
The statement indicated that this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
The statement considered that this proposed sale will enhance Nigeria’s ability to confront current and future threats through operations against terrorist organizations and combating illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
The statement noted that this sale won’t alter the basic military balance in the region, and that implementing this potential deal won’t require the deployment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Nigeria.
The statement stressed that there will be no negative impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed deal.
Nigeria has been suffering from attacks by Boko Haram, which over the past 16 years, particularly in the northeast of the country, have resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 people and displaced approximately two million, according to UN figures.
