By Felix Khanoba
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has disclosed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has committed a total of $801 million (over ₦1.15 trillion) to arms acquisitions from the United States between 2024 and 2025, under its ongoing military modernization drive.
In a policy statement signed by its chairman, Omoniyi Akinsiju, the group said this figure challenges the perception created by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
It stated: “In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded its highest single-year expenditure on arms import in recent times with over ₦520 billion spent, representing a record-breaking surge in military asset acquisition for the country.
“This figure accounts for approximately 67% of the total arms import bill over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). A substantial portion of this amount, ₦483.85 billion, was spent in the final quarter of the year.
“The military assets procurement includes the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, regarded as the world’s deadliest attack helicopter, a $455 million deal aimed at strengthening counterinsurgency capabilities.
The contract was awarded to Bell Textron, an American aerospace company, in March 2024.
“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.”
The group further noted that Nigeria concluded another landmark $346 million arms deal with the United States in August 2025, describing it as a significant single purchase of military hardware designed to enhance precision warfare capabilities.
“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 acquisition will complement the existing counterinsurgency operations that Nigeria has been waging against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and bandits which are still operational in some northern states.
“This, for us, underlines the administration’s commitment to boosting the operational readiness of security agencies in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the country.”
According to IMPI, the Tinubu administration has also demonstrated strong political will in addressing terrorism, ensuring the safety of citizens, and guaranteeing religious freedom.
The group suggested that President Trump’s remarks may be linked to expectations of further arms transactions between both nations, following his criticism that Nigeria has not done enough to protect Christians from extremist attacks.
“Our consideration is that with a threat to storm Nigeria with ‘gun-a-blazing,’ the US President may be out to compel the Nigerian government to engage more with American arms manufacturers.
“This is especially so with the place of China, US perennial competitor in all sphere of engagements, in Nigeria’s arms supplies eco-system.
“In 2024, China supplied up to $152 million worth of VT-4 main battle tanks, ST1 light tanks, and SH-5 self-propelled howitzers.
“This 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.
“This apparent business pitch coming from the US International Trade Commission holds much weight for an increased market share maneuver than a declaration of war on Nigeria by the US,” the think tank said.
