Urgent: US Approves $346M Arms Sale to Nigeria Amid Rights Concerns

UPDATE: The U.S. State Department has just approved a controversial arms deal worth US$346 million to Nigeria, raising immediate alarms among human rights groups. As accusations mount against Nigerian security forces for civilian casualties, rights advocates are demanding accountability for potential abuses linked to this substantial military support.

This urgent development comes as Nigeria faces escalating violence from jihadist militants in the northeast, armed gangs in the northwest, and separatists in the southeast. Civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire, with recent reports highlighting a tragic incident in May where the Nigerian air force mistakenly bombed a local self-defense group in Zamfara State, believing them to be bandits.

The timing of this arms sale is critical, coinciding with the release of the State Department’s annual human rights report on Nigeria, which warns of ongoing air strikes resulting in civilian deaths and the torture of detainees. Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher for Human Rights Watch, expressed grave concerns, stating that the sale announcement overlooked the military’s troubling human rights record and failed to outline any safeguards to prevent abuses.

In her statement, Ewang urged, “The U.S. Congress, which has the authority to pause such sales, really needs to ask these tough questions that the State Department is dancing around.”

Despite these alarming concerns, some officials view the arms deal as a positive step. Sadeeq Shehu, a former air force spokesman, described the sale as “very good news,” asserting it reflects improved civilian protection mechanisms. He noted, “There are alternatives, but then certain things, you have to get from the Americans.”

However, Nigeria’s security situation remains dire. While violence linked to Boko Haram peaked between 2013 and 2015, ongoing jihadist attacks continue to threaten civilians. Hundreds of innocent lives have been lost due to air strikes, with authorities occasionally disputing claims of civilian casualties.

The U.S. has not historically been Nigeria’s primary weapons supplier, trailing behind China and Russia, but the landscape of arms sales has shifted significantly in recent years. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the U.S. has maintained a lower profile while other countries have surged ahead.

Isa Sanusi, Nigeria director for Amnesty International, highlighted the importance of the U.S. maintaining its commitment to human rights, stating, “The U.S. still remains the beacon of democracy, and it should still be an example of holding those human rights standards.”

Previous arms sales have faced scrutiny, with the U.S. government blocking such deals under former President Barack Obama due to human rights violations. In 2021, lawmakers temporarily halted a sale of attack helicopters worth nearly US$1 billion over similar concerns, although it ultimately proceeded.

Malik Samuel, a conflict researcher based in Abuja, emphasized the need for accountability within the Nigerian military, questioning why enhanced weaponry has not translated into effective victory over militants. “You can’t tell me that the Boko Haram factions or even the bandits… have more sophisticated weapons,” he remarked, advocating for improved strategy and intelligence.

As this situation develops, the international community watches closely. The implications of this arms sale could significantly impact Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with violence and human rights, raising pressing questions about the balance between security and accountability.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.