The United States Congress has approved $413.046 million in funding to support counter‑insurgency and broader security operations in Nigeria and other West African countries, reflecting growing American engagement with rising regional conflicts.
The allocation is part of the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025. The funds are earmarked under the Operation and Maintenance section for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which requested this budget to tackle persistent insecurity across the region.
While the NDAA does not break down exactly how the funds will be distributed among countries or specific operations, analysts say the financing will support ongoing efforts against insurgency, banditry, violent extremism and maritime security threats. In Nigeria, this includes combatting Boko Haram’s remnants in the North‑East and bandits in the North‑West, as well as similar jihadist threats in neighbouring states.
The funding comes amid broader U.S. security cooperation with Nigeria, including recent delivery of military supplies from AFRICOM to Nigerian forces to bolster their tactical capacity and recent joint operations targeting extremist hideouts.
Security experts describe the allocation as part of a strategic shift to strengthen partnerships with African states facing entrenched militant groups. They note that the regional security environment has deteriorated, with persistent violence in countries such as Mali, northern Benin, and the Sahel, reinforcing the need for sustained external support.
The NDAA’s broader defence budget totals approximately $901 billion, with allocations also covering European, Southern Command and cyber operations, highlighting the global scope of U.S. military planning.
