U.S. donates military vehicles to aid Nigeria in fight against Boko Haram

The U.S. government donated 24 Mine-Resistant Armor-Protected (MRAP) vehicles to Nigeria's military Thursday.

The vehicles are worth $11 million and will be applied toward the anti-Boko Haram effort.

“These vehicles provide increased protection from improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs and small arms fire, while offering more maneuverability and better fuel economy than other types of armored personnel carriers,” the U.S. Defense Attaché to Nigeria Col. Patrick Doyle said.

The vehicles were delivered to Lagos and came out of the United State's Excess Defense Articles Program, which transfers unused U.S. military equipment to foreign governments and international organizations. Another eight MRAPS will be delivered in the future.

U.S. programs have also provided Nigeria with advisors, intelligence, training, logistical support and equipment in its fight against Boko Haram along with humanitarian aid and victim support services.

Past military donations from the United States to Nigeria have included the NNS Okpabana in 2014 and NNS Thunder in 2012 to the Nigerian Navy.