The United States has approved a potential $346 million sale of ammunition, precision bombs, and rockets to Nigeria. The move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s military capabilities against terrorism and illegal trafficking.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday that the State Department authorized the possible sale. Congress was notified of the planned transfer of munitions and related equipment.
Nigeria requested a variety of advanced weapons, including 1,002 MK-82 500-pound general-purpose bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500-pound Paveway II GBU-12 bombs, and 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250-pound Paveway II GBU-58 bombs. The package also includes 1,517 MAU-169 and MAU-209 computer control groups for the Paveway II bombs, 1,002 FMU-152 programmable fuzes, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rounds. Each APKWS II round combines a guidance section, a high-explosive warhead, and a MK66-4 rocket motor.
The sale includes non-major defense equipment such as FMU-139 programmable fuzes, bomb components, rockets, and test equipment. U.S. and contractor personnel will provide technical, engineering, and logistics support. Other items in the package cover additional logistical and program assistance.
The DSCA said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security by boosting the defense capacity of a key partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The weapons are intended to help Nigeria address both current and future security challenges. The equipment will strengthen operations against terrorist groups and aid efforts to curb illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. The DSCA emphasized that Nigeria can integrate the munitions into its forces without difficulty.
Officials noted that the sale will not shift the basic military balance in the region. The primary contractors for the deal are RTX Missiles and Defense in Tucson, Arizona; Lockheed Martin Corporation in Archbald, Pennsylvania; and BAE Systems in Hudson, New Hampshire.
The U.S. Government confirmed there are no offset agreements linked to this potential sale. The transaction will not require additional U.S. personnel or contractors in Nigeria. Officials also stated that U.S. defense readiness will not be affected by the transfer.
This sale reflects a broader U.S. effort to support allies in Africa while promoting regional security. By equipping Nigeria with precision munitions and advanced rockets, Washington aims to help the country respond effectively to armed threats and maintain stability in a strategically important region.
The approval comes amid heightened concerns over terrorism and organized crime in West Africa. Analysts say that improving Nigeria’s military technology could enhance joint operations and support peacekeeping initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea.
Experts note that the precision-guided bombs and rockets in the package provide advanced targeting capabilities, enabling Nigeria’s armed forces to conduct more effective and controlled strikes. The inclusion of programmable fuzes and guidance systems ensures that the munitions can be deployed with higher accuracy and reduced collateral damage.
The DSCA stressed that the proposed sale aligns with the United States’ long-term goals for security cooperation in Africa. By helping Nigeria bolster its defense systems, the U.S. strengthens partnerships with nations committed to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
