The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) says Nigeria has committed about N1.15 trillion to arms deals with the United States alone since the President Bola Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023.
This, according to the think tank, underlines the administration’s commitment to boosting the operational readiness of security agencies in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the country.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI posited that this is contrary to the impression created in the US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)
According to the policy group, the US President may be holding out for more arms transactions between the two countries after claiming that the country is not doing enough to protect Christians from extremist attacks.
“Our position is further reinforced by the American government’s call to its military hardware and software manufacturing sector to explore opportunities available in Nigeria for the supply of sophisticated tools and systems, such as surveillance technology, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and advanced detection equipment.
” Indeed, the Nigerian federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has invested heavily in enhancing security measures in response to the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.
“For instance, Nigeria’s military modernisation efforts include the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the US, a $455 million deal aimed at strengthening counterinsurgency capabilities.
The contract was awarded to Bell Textron, an American aerospace company, in March 2024, and the delivery timeline was scheduled for July 2028.
“These helicopters are part of broader investments in military equipment and technology, intended to aid in tackling terrorism, piracy, and other forms of violent crimes across the nation, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to collaborate with international partners on security initiatives.
” In addition, Nigeria completed a historic $346 million arms deal with the United States in August 2025, marking the largest single purchase of military hardware in recent times.
”The contract involves more than 1,000 MK-82 500-pound bombs, over 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rounds, programmable fuzes, airfoil groups, and extensive logistical and technical assistance. The action will complement the existing counterinsurgency operations that Nigeria has been waging against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which are still operational in some northern states.
“These are clear indications of Nigeria’s seriousness in tackling insecurity by purchasing sophisticated military equipment from the United States.”
IMPI added that there has also been a clear demonstration of political will by the federal government to combat terrorism and safeguard the lives of Nigerians, as well as to guarantee unrestricted religious freedom and practices in the country.
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