US Denies Stopping Nigeria’s Purchase Of Military Aircraft From Israel



The report making rounds that the United States of America had blocked the sale of a CH-47 Chinook transport aircraft from Israel to Nigeria has been denied by the US embassy in Nigeria.

The US embassy’s press attaché, Sean J. McIntosh has released a statement to that effect:


“The United States remains committed to helping the government of Nigeria address the threat posed by the terrorist organisation Boko Haram. We continue to support Nigerian efforts to bring about the safe recovery of the abductees and to advise the government of Nigeria on its response”, he said.

He was quick to add that the US has been advising Nigeria on intelligence issues but refused to confirm if his country will have a mutual arm purchase policy with Nigeria.

“We are advising on issues of survivor support, humanitarian assistance, criminal investigations, intelligence and strategic communications.”

“U.S. Departments of State and Defense review all potential arms transfers for their consistency with US policy and interests, as detailed in the US Conventional Arms Transfer Policy, updated by President Obama in January. This includes any requests for one country to transfer US-origin defence items to another country”.

“Incidentally, Israel uses the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion as its heavy transport helicopter, and Boeing would do anything to get that business for its Chinook,” he stated.




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