The United States has approved the sale of military equipment worth about $346 million to Nigeria. The package includes powerful bombs, rockets, missiles, and other ammunition.

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale is intended to help Nigeria strengthen its fight against terrorism and prevent illegal trafficking within the country and in the Gulf of Guinea.

The military package includes 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500-pound bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups, 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II warheads, MK66-4 rocket motors, and other supporting equipment.

Smaller items such as FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb parts, practice rockets, and technical support are also included.

The DSCA named Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defence, and BAE Systems as the companies that will supply the weapons and equipment.

The agency said the sale will support US foreign policy and security objectives by improving the defence capabilities of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will help Nigeria address terrorist threats and combat illegal trafficking in the country and the Gulf of Guinea.

In 2022, the US had approved another military package for Nigeria valued at $997 million. That deal included 12 attack helicopters, 2,000 advanced precision weapon guidance systems, and night vision imaging equipment.