US authorizes arms deal to Nigeria despite human rights concerns

The United States has cleared a nearly $1 billion arms sale to Nigeria, after legislators blocked the agreement amid worries about probable Nigerian government human rights violations.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee placed a moratorium on the sale of 12 Bell AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters in July.

The State Department said Thursday that it will authorize the sale of the $997 million assault helicopters.

“This proposed sale will advance the United States’ foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a vital partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” according to a statement on the sale.

Nigeria has been experiencing an increase in violent robberies and kidnappings for ransom, where sparsely placed security personnel have failed to rein in armed gangs’ dominance.

US authorities have criticized Nigerian military troops for using “excessive force” on unarmed citizens and urged restraint after soldiers opened fire on protestors demonstrating against police brutality in Lagos in October 2020.