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