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.
More Stories
- ECOWAS holds workshop in Dakar on Women, Peace & Security agenda
- President Bio meets Ethiopian PM at World Without Hunger Conference
- Sierra Leone launches National Poppy Week honoring military sacrifices
- Sierra Leone's President Bio meets Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed for agricultural collaboration
- Deputy head of mission commits to represent Sierra Leone effectively
- ECOWAS and Nigeria launch new national energy information system
- Global leaders pledge support for Sierra Leone's energy transition
- Sierra Leone's President attends World Without Hunger Conference in Ethiopia
- ECOWAS discusses arms control at annual coordination meeting
- ECOWAS officials attend high-level counter-terrorism conference in Kuwait