U.S. approves $346 million arms sale to Nigeria
Package includes bombs, precision rockets and support services for fight against the insurgent groups operating in the country
ABUJA, Nigeria (MNTV) — The United States has approved a $346 million sale of munitions and precision-guided weapons to Nigeria to support its battle against Boko Haram and IS West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The deal, cleared by the U.S. State Department, includes more than 1,000 MK-82 500-pound bombs, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets, laser-guided bomb kits, high-explosive rockets and technical support services.
Nigeria’s air force says the weapons will improve strike accuracy and help dismantle insurgent networks in the northeast, where militants have killed thousands and displaced millions.
“This year, our air campaign is quicker, more precise and more surgical,” Air Chief Hasan Abubakar said Tuesday, noting that 592 insurgents were killed in Borno State over the past eight months.
The conflict has spread beyond Nigeria’s borders to the Lake Chad Basin and threatens security in parts of the Gulf of Guinea. Authorities say the new arsenal will help sustain recent military gains.
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