The USA approved the sale of $346 million worth of military equipment to Nigeria for security purposes

• The USA approved the sale of military equipment to Nigeria for a total of $346 million.
• Attacks by Boko Haram have caused a spike in violence in the region.
• The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 35 thousand civilians.

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of military equipment to Nigeria for a total of $346 million to enhance security in the region, the Pentagon reported in a statement.

The Congress has been notified, and the sale must be approved, stated the Agency for International Development. This agency is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Defense, which provides technical assistance and oversees the transfer of military equipment.

The equipment requested by Nigeria includes armored vehicles, bombs, and rockets.

The resurgence of attacks by terrorists from the Boko Haram has led to a spike in violence in northeastern Nigeria. This group fights against Western education and seeks to impose its radical version of Islamic law. In recent months, Islamic extremists have repeatedly attacked military posts, looted roads, and assaulted civilian communities, leading to warnings about a possible return to peak insecurity.

The conflict, which has spread to Nigeria's neighboring countries, has claimed nearly 35,000 civilian lives and forced more than 2 million people to flee their homes, according to UN data.

In addition to northeastern Nigeria, the largest country in Africa also faces serious security problems in the north-central and northwestern regions, where in recent months many have died and suffered significant losses.

The Pentagon noted that this proposal could improve Nigeria's capabilities in combating terrorist organizations and criminal gangs in Nigeria and in the region of the Gulf of Guinea. "There will be no negative impact on the readiness of U.S. forces as a result of this proposal," the Pentagon stated.

Over the past 10 years, Nigeria has repeatedly purchased military equipment from the USA. Last year, the USA approved the sale of arms worth $997 million in 2022.

Tags: USA/Politics