Twenty-four hours after US Secretary of State, John Kerry held meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), where he pledged his country’s determination to work with Nigeria to end the activities of the Boko Haram terrorists, Israeli media has revealed that the United States halted the resale of arms by Israel to Nigeria.
According to aviation-focused website, flightglobal.com, Nigeria had shown interest in buying surplus Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters that were phased out of service by the Israeli air force in 2013, as well as in Israeli-produced unmanned air systems. But the US blocked any sale by Israel of surplus American-made weapon systems to Nigeria, and also indicated that Israeli-made equipment should be exported to the country only “under strict conditions”.
The transfer of such aircraft requires a review to determine its “consistency with US policy interests,” Obama administration officials told The Jerusalem Post.
Negotiations were said to have started, but Israel’s defence ministry ordered them to stop following a request by Washington, a source familiar with the process revealed to FlightGlobal. The US administration probably does not want to be involved in any way in the domestic war in Nigeria between the nation’s army and Boko Haram militants, the source adds.
Israeli sources say Nigeria had also wanted to purchase more Israeli-made UAS. The country in 2006 purchased a number of Aerostar vehicles made by Aeronautics Defense Systems in a deal reported to be worth $260 million.
The Israeli defence ministry declines to make a statement on the matter, noting: “We never comment on the export of Israeli-made weapon systems.”
US’s reason for blocking the transfer has been attributed to fears of human rights abuse by the military, an allegation Nigerian officials describe as unfounded.
“The kind of question that we have to ask is, let’s say we give certain kinds of equipment to the Nigerian military that is then used in a way that affects the human situation,” US ambassador to Nigeria James F. Entwistle told reporters in October, according to the New York Times.
“If I approve that, I’m responsible for that. We take that responsibility very seriously.”
I am terribly worried over the actions and inactions of the US. They are first to criticise when things go wrong and won’t offer help when the need arises. The US govt created fears about 2015 many years ago and when the much needed military wares are in high need, they turn their backs on us. I DO NOT TRUST THE US GOVT.
When Ebola struct Nigeria, they refused to offer help, but God is greater than any man or country. We survived- much to the displeasure of the US govt.
This should make the Nigerian Govt wake up and promote science and technology in the country. We can also create and invent things like the Koreans, Chinese, and Israelis too.
Necessities during the civil war led to creative inventions. Let our necessities drive us to wonderful inventions. Yes we can!!!
Is their refusal to sell Nigeria arms to affirm their earlier pronouncement that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015? I don’t trust the US either.
I am not suprised at d this development. when Jonathan signed d homosexual law dat was d instant nig fell out of favour wit Obama. his actions and inactions fell short of sanctioning nig if nt 4 d criticism of other international communities. i realy do nt think all americans ar bad however, d US president who is our brother unfortunately is very biased. his body language shows dat he is nt happy wit nig 4 whatever personal reason which he code name “human rights”. i hope he does not near this country after he leaves office and may his daughters fall in love and marry older and very ugly women.
The reasons he postulated does not even make sense, if the equipment we give to the nigerian govt affect their human condition. We r fight people who is wiping away our fellow country men and dey are still doing it. Of cos we nid suffisticated weapons. In wat way den do they intend to help, if Givin our war equipments is not an option Or rather not a gud human situration
lie this Americans think we are dimmies .. The reason is that you Americans monopolies the arlm market and you won’t allow this country to look elsewhere .. Now you want to start manufacturing AKS in US so this country must buy from you .. You are hypocrite you know what is happening in Boko Haram .. You are allowing people dieing in hundred every day and you come here to talk rubbish about a cobra helicopter … Shame on America !
English language is sick in your comments.
I recommend pidgin for you all.
This situation is a diplomatic one that requires meticulous analysis before any deductions.#Chuckles