United States has authorized $413 million (approximately N587 billion at current exchange rates) for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria

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The funding is outlined in the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for 2026, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025. This marks the 65th consecutive annual authorization of the NDAA, which sets the framework for U.S. military spending and policy.

The allocation falls under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). Reports indicate that AFRICOM requested the full $413.046 million, and Congress approved the exact amount without major changes. However, the Act does not provide a detailed country-by-country or itemized breakdown of how the funds will be disbursed, leaving specifics on equipment, training, intelligence support, or joint operations unclear at this stage.

This development comes amid persistent and escalating security challenges across West Africa, including:

Ongoing insurgency in Nigeria's North-East from groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.

Broader threats of violent extremism, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and instability in neighboring countries.

The approval reflects deepening U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation. Just days ago, on January 13-14, 2026, AFRICOM announced the delivery of essential military supplies to Nigerian partners in Abuja, describing it as support for "ongoing operations" and underscoring the "shared security partnership." This follows joint actions, including U.S.-supported airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State around Christmas 2025.

The NDAA also includes broader policy enhancements for U.S. engagement in Africa, such as establishing a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the State Department and creating a dedicated Bureau of African Affairs to better coordinate foreign policy, assistance, and security initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa.

Analysts view the funding as a strategic response to the evolving threat landscape in the region, where local forces have struggled with resource constraints despite sustained operations. While the U.S. has historically provided training, equipment, and intelligence support to Nigeria, this substantial allocation signals renewed commitment amid concerns over jihadist expansion and cross-border threats.

As implementation begins in the 2026 fiscal year, the focus will likely remain on enhancing operational capacity, intelligence sharing, and regional collaboration to combat insurgency. The move aligns with Nigeria's ongoing counter-terrorism priorities and could pave the way for further bilateral initiatives in the coming months.

This development highlights the international dimension of West Africa's security crisis and the U.S. role in supporting African-led efforts to restore stability.

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