The administration of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spent $801 million on American military equipment over the past 18 months. This major investment was revealed by the Nigerian policy group IMPI. It highlights Nigeria's push to modernize its armed forces. The spending comes at a time of serious diplomatic strain with the United States. Former US President Donald Trump has recently threatened military action against Nigeria. He claims the Nigerian government is not doing enough to stop religiously motivated violence .
This large arms purchase shows a complex relationship. Nigeria is deepening its defense ties with the US through major contracts. At the same time, it is facing sharp criticism and threats from the same powerful partner. The situation puts President Tinubu in a difficult position. He must manage a vital security partnership while responding to what his government calls unfair accusations .
The $801 million in deals includes 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the US company Bell Textron. This deal was signed in March 2024 and is valued at $455 million. In August 2025, another $346 million agreement was completed. It covered over 1,000 MK-82 bombs and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rounds. These purchases are part of a broader effort to improve Nigeria's fight against terrorism, piracy, and violent crime. IMPI described this spending as a clear sign of the administration's will to safeguard national security .
Just days ago, the political landscape shifted dramatically. Former President Trump designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern." He accused the government of allowing the killing of Christians. In a social media post, he threatened to stop all US aid to Nigeria. He also said he instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action. He warned the US might go into the country "guns-a-blazing" to target Islamic terrorists if the violence continues .
In response, President Tinubu pushed back. He said the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect reality. He stated that religious freedom and tolerance are core to the country's identity. Nigeria's population of over 220 million is almost evenly split between Muslims and Christians. The government insists it is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith .
This is not the first time the US has placed Nigeria on this list. The country was first designated a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under Trump. It was removed in 2021 by the Biden administration. The recent redesignation represents a policy reversal. It warns Nigeria that Washington expects progress on religious freedom protections. The label is not just symbolic. It can lead to diplomatic penalties and targeted sanctions .
The Nigerian government and some policy groups argue that the US decision is based on flawed data. IMPI claims that false figures and manipulated statistics are being used by advocacy groups. These groups are said to inflate the number of religiously motivated killings. For example, while some NGOs claimed thousands of Christian deaths in a single year, the Global Terrorism Index reported a much lower number of terrorism-related deaths for all causes. IMPI alleges there is a campaign of misinformation aimed at damaging Nigeria's global reputation .
The Tinubu administration has also made significant changes to the country's security command structure. It has increased the defense budget. The government says these steps are yielding results. Officials report that terrorist attacks are at their lowest in over a decade. The military claims to have neutralized hundreds of terrorists and freed thousands of hostages in recent months .
Behind the tensions, the United States remains Nigeria's largest foreign investor. Bilateral trade between the two countries was over thirteen billion dollars in 2024. The US Commerce Department has identified Nigeria as a growing market for American defense manufacturers. It sees opportunities in areas like surveillance technology, drones, and advanced detection systems. This economic reality forms a backdrop of mutual interest, even during political disagreements .
For President Tinubu, the challenge is a delicate balancing act. He leads a nation roughly divided between Muslims and Christians. He must address international concerns about religious violence without inflaming domestic sectarian divides. He also needs to rebuild diplomatic trust with Washington. The absence of a full-time Nigerian ambassador to the US has been noted as a weakness in their diplomatic posture. Closing this representation gap is seen as a critical step for better engagement .
The situation remains fluid. The US pressure presents Nigeria with a difficult test. The substantial investment in US military equipment shows a practical partnership continues. But the threat of sanctions or more severe actions hangs over the relationship. How the Tinubu government responds will shape its foreign policy credibility and its ability to secure the nation.