By Seun Ibiyemi
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has revealed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu acquired military assets worth $801 million from the United States within 18 months as part of its defense modernization agenda.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI said the naira equivalent of the acquisition was approximately ₦1.15 trillion, marking a bold step in enhancing Nigeria’s military capability.
Akinsiju highlighted that 2024 alone recorded the country’s highest arms import expenditure in recent times, with over ₦520 billion spent, representing about 67 per cent of total arms imports between 2020 and 2024.
Among the major acquisitions was a $455 million deal for 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from American aerospace giant Bell Textron, intended to strengthen counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
In August 2025, Nigeria also signed a $346 million agreement for more than 1,000 MK-82 bombs and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rounds, including supporting logistics and training, aimed at improving precision-strike capability against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups.
“This scale of investment reflects President Tinubu’s political will to combat terrorism and safeguard Nigerians,” Akinsiju said, adding that recent US policy remarks on Nigeria may be more about expanding arms trade opportunities amid competition from China than concerns over religious or human rights issues.