The United States has earmarked $413 million (about ₦587 billion) for counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African nations in 2026, amid persistent security challenges across West Africa. The allocation is part of the US National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance.
The budget was requested by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and approved in full, though the NDAA did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be spent. The announcement follows AFRICOM’s recent delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing collaboration.
“This funding reflects the United States’ commitment to supporting regional stability and countering insurgency in West Africa,” said security analyst Kabir Adamu, CEO of Beacon Consulting. He noted that the allocation also underscores growing geopolitical competition in Africa, driven by economic and strategic interests.
Adamu explained that Russia and China have expanded their influence across the continent through military cooperation and financial engagement, compelling the US to reassess its posture. “Africa, particularly West Africa and the Sahel, has become a strategic arena due to insecurity, weak state control, and critical resources,” he said.
The NDAA also establishes a Bureau of African Affairs within the US Department of State, headed by a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, responsible for overseeing US foreign policy and engagement in sub-Saharan Africa. The legislation mandates assessments of Russia’s military strategy and capabilities affecting African nations.
Security analyst Chidi Omeje emphasised that US engagement with Nigeria should be seen as a partnership rather than dominance. “We are now on the level of collaboration. The materials AFRICOM sent to Nigerian forces reflect mutual respect and shared responsibility in confronting transnational threats,” he said.
In a related development, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, called for deeper strategic cooperation between the Nigerian and US armies. He praised American military professionalism and stressed that partnerships would enhance Nigeria’s operational effectiveness, capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint planning.
US Defense Attaché to Nigeria, Lt. Col. Semira Moore, reaffirmed her government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral military ties, including support for troop welfare and humanitarian initiatives, describing the relationship as “cordial, mutually beneficial, and essential for sustaining operational effectiveness.”
