United States: Why we gave the MRAP trucks to Nigeria

United States: Why we gave the MRAP trucks to Nigeria

Thursday, January 7, 2016 5:13 pm


Maj.Gen.BT Ndiomu, representing Minister of Defence with others inspecting one of the vehicles

Maj.Gen.BT Ndiomu, representing Minister of Defence with others inspecting one of the vehicles

As part of continuing support from the United States to the government and the people of Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram, the U.S government today donated 24 Mine-Resistant Armor-Protected (MRAP) vehicles (valued at $11 million) to Nigeria’s military authorities.

“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 armoured personnel carriers,” the U.S. Defense Attache to Nigeria Colonel Patrick Doyle, said.

The U.S. government donated the armoured vehicles through the Excess Defense Articles Program. The Nigerian military arranged for transportation from the port to Lagos. Nigeria is in the process of receiving an additional eight more MRAPs through this program, valued at approximately $7.4million.

The Excess Defense Articles Program is designed to transfer excess military equipment from the United States to foreign governments or international organisations to help with modernisation of partner nation military capabilities.

Through a similar program, the U.S. Government donated to the Nigerian Navy the NNS Okpabana in 2014 and NNS Thunder in 2012. The two ships have bolstered maritime security in Nigeria.

Today’s equipment donation represents part of the continuing U.S. commitment to Nigeria and its neighbors to counter Boko Haram’s senseless acts of terror and promote regional security.

The United States provides advisors, intelligence training, logistical support, and equipment to its African partners as they work to defeat Boko Haram. The US also support those affected by Boko Haram’s violence through ongoing humanitarian aid and victim support services. The United States said it would “continue working with our partners in the region to identify new opportunities to restore order in the Lake Chad Basin region.”


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