US Approves $413 Million for Counter-Insurgency Operations in Nigeria and West Africa

The United States has approved $413 million for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other West African nations for the 2026 fiscal year, following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law in December 2025.

The funding, allocated under the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) budget, addresses growing insecurity across the region. It forms part of a broader $901 billion defence spending package that includes a four per cent pay rise for US service members and marks the 65th consecutive annual defence authorisation.

While the Act does not provide a country-specific breakdown, the $413 million represents the full amount requested by AFRICOM for its Africa operations and maintenance.

The approval comes amid escalating threats from jihadist groups, armed bandits, and maritime criminals across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Nigeria continues to face a prolonged insurgency in the North-East, increasing banditry in the North-West, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Elsewhere, Mali is experiencing renewed militant activity, and northern Benin has seen spillover violence from the Sahel.

US Intensifies Security Cooperation with Nigeria

According to Opinion Nigeria, the US has recently ramped up security cooperation with Nigeria. AFRICOM confirmed delivering military equipment to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja, describing the support as part of a “shared security partnership.”

“This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said.

The heightened engagement follows US air strikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025, conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The strikes reflect a broader shift toward deeper US involvement in the region, including intelligence sharing and operational support against extremist groups.

Policy Changes Introduced in Defence Law

Beyond funding, the NDAA introduces significant policy changes, including the creation of a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US State Department and a Bureau of African Affairs to coordinate US foreign policy and assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.

The legislation also requires a comprehensive review of Russia’s military activities and presence in Africa, a move expected to influence US strategic planning involving AFRICOM, Central Command, and European Command.

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