Breakdown of the Sale
Key components include:
1,002 Mk-82 (500 lb) general-purpose bombs, with accompanying MXU-650 air-foil groups for the Paveway II GBU-12 bombs .
5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) all-up-rounds, featuring MK-66-4 rocket motors and high-explosive warheads .
515 MXU-1006 air-foil groups for 250 lb Paveway II GBU-58 bombs, plus over 1,500 MAU-169/209 computer control groups and 1,002 FMU-152 programmable fuzes .
Overview: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated the sale aims to enhance Nigeria’s ability to confront terrorist threats—notably Boko Haram—and illicit trafficking operations in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea .
It also reassured that the sale would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness .
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Strategic Context
Escalating conflict
The northeastern region of Nigeria has seen a resurgence of Boko Haram activities, including attacks on military posts, roadside bombings, and civilian raids—resulting in about 35,000 civilian deaths and over 2 million internally displaced persons, according to U.N. sources .
Nigeria’s broader security threats
The instability has expanded beyond the northeast; northern-central and northwestern states are also experiencing significant violence and casualties .
Prior military cooperation
This move continues a longstanding partnership. For example, in 2022, the U.S. approved a much larger $997 million sale, including attack helicopters and other advanced systems .
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Summary Table
Item Details
Sale Value $346 million (pending Congressional approval)
Main Components Mk-82 bombs, APKWS II rounds, Paveway II guidance kits, fuzes, support
Purpose Counter-terrorism (Boko Haram) & maritime trafficking
U.S. Defense Readiness Not affected
Previous Sale $997 million package in 2022
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