U.S. Sells $346 Million Worth of Weapons to Nigeria
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, Reuters reported that the U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of ammunition, precision bombs, and guided rockets to Nigeria valued at approximately $346 million.
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that contractors involved in this sale will include Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defense, and BAE Systems.
U.S. arms exports to Nigeria have been significant in recent years.This collaboration has largely been justified as assistance for Nigeria in combating groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates in Africa.
In late 2022,the U.S. State Department also approved a possible sale of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and related equipment worth around $997 million to Nigeria.
This approval came after months of suspension due to human rights concerns.
Additionally, deliveries of 12 A-29 Super Tucano warplanes began in 2021 under a contract valued at $497 million approved in 2017.
The approval of these military contracts occurred despite previous opposition from some U.S. lawmakers worried about human rights violations by Nigerian forces; ultimately, these deals were authorized with the argument that they would help stabilize the region.
