The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that the U.S. State Department has authorized a potential arms deal worth $346 million for Nigeria, aimed at enhancing security in the West African nation.
According to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Congress has been notified and will need to approve the deal.
This agency, which operates under the Department of Defense, provides technical assistance and oversees the transfer of defense equipment. The arms requested by Nigeria include ammunition, bombs, and missiles. Notably, northeastern Nigeria has experienced a resurgence of attacks by the militant group Boko Haram.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in U.S. arms exports to Nigeria, with the collaboration primarily focused on helping the country combat groups like Boko Haram and the African branch of ISIS.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and associated equipment at an estimated cost of $997 million to Nigeria in late 2022.
Furthermore, the delivery of 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter planes to Nigeria began in 2021, following the approval of a contract worth $497 million back in 2017.