Washington- USA-15 August 2025
$346 Million Package of Precision Munitions and Rockets to Bolster Military Amid Escalating Insecurity
The United States has given its preliminary approval for a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Nigeria valued at an estimated $346 million. The proposed arms package, which includes a range of precision-guided munitions, bombs, and rockets, is intended to significantly bolster Nigeria’s military capabilities in its ongoing and multifaceted fight against terrorism and widespread banditry. The notification of the sale was made public on Thursday, and it represents a major step in the deepening security partnership between Washington and Abuja, despite persistent concerns from human rights organizations regarding the Nigerian military’s conduct.
The deal, which is subject to final approval by the U.S. Congress, is being managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the branch of the U.S. Department of Defense that oversees arms transfers. According to the official statement from the DSCA, the Government of Nigeria has requested to purchase a wide array of advanced weaponry. The proposed package is said to include 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500 lb bombs, with accompanying Air Foil Groups for the Paveway II GBU-12 and GBU-58. It also includes 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets, which are laser-guided, along with related components, spare parts, and technical support. Major U.S. defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and RTX Missiles and Defense, have been named as the primary suppliers for the equipment.
Washington’s Strategic Rationale
For Washington, the approval of this sale is a strategic move aimed at reinforcing a key ally in a region facing a growing threat from insurgent groups. The United States considers Nigeria to be a crucial partner in sub-Saharan Africa due to its large population, significant economy, and strategic position in the fight against regional instability. Over the past year, Nigeria has faced a surge in violence from groups such as ISIS-West Africa (ISWAP) and remnants of Boko Haram in the northeast, as well as an escalation in criminal banditry, inter-communal conflict, and kidnapping-for-ransom operations across the country.
A State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained the rationale behind the sale. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the official stated. “This equipment will enhance Nigeria’s ability to conduct effective counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, thereby contributing to regional stability and promoting U.S. interests.”
The official added that the sale is part of a broader, long-standing security cooperation that includes military education, training, and intelligence sharing. The U.S. has invested heavily in professionalizing the Nigerian military and is committed to ensuring that the new weaponry is used responsibly. This deal is the latest in a series of major arms sales to Nigeria in recent years, demonstrating a sustained commitment despite a history of intermittent pauses due to human rights concerns.
Nigeria’s Desperate Need for Advanced Firepower
From Nigeria’s perspective, the acquisition of this sophisticated weaponry is a matter of urgent national security. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made the fight against insecurity a top priority, and the military has struggled to contain multiple armed threats simultaneously. While the government has had some success, the conflict has continued to claim civilian lives and displace millions, particularly in the North-East where the humanitarian situation is described by the UN as “catastrophic.”
The new precision-guided munitions are expected to provide a crucial advantage to the Nigerian Air Force. They are designed to be highly accurate, which could help minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage in complex combat environments. This capability is especially important in the fight against mobile, asymmetric threats like terrorist groups and bandit gangs. Military analysts in Abuja believe the new equipment will allow Nigerian forces to strike with greater precision, making their operations more effective and reducing the risk to non-combatants.
“This is a game-changer for us,” said a senior Nigerian military source. “We need this technology to deal with a very unconventional enemy. The old methods were not working, and the new equipment will give us the edge we need.”
Concerns Over Human Rights Record
Despite the official justifications, the proposed sale has been met with significant criticism from human rights organizations and some U.S. lawmakers. Critics argue that the Nigerian military has a history of human rights abuses, including the killing of unarmed civilians and a lack of accountability for past violations. They fear that the new, advanced weapons could be used against civilian populations or in ways that violate international law.
Human rights advocates have pointed to past incidents of civilian harm during military operations, and they worry that a new influx of advanced weaponry without strict oversight could exacerbate the problem. The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), a U.S.-based non-governmental organization, has been particularly vocal, calling for a more rigorous framework to ensure the protection of civilians in U.S. security assistance to Nigeria.
“The U.S. government has a responsibility to ensure that the weapons it sells are not used to commit human rights violations,” said a spokesperson for CIVIC. “We urge Congress to carefully scrutinize this sale and to demand robust end-use monitoring and accountability mechanisms.”
The debate over the sale underscores a broader dilemma in U.S. foreign policy: how to balance the need to support allies in fighting terrorism with the imperative to uphold human rights. As the Nigerian military and government grapple with internal security challenges, the decision to approve this arms package demonstrates a strong vote of confidence from the U.S. that Nigeria is a partner worth the risk.
