The United States has authorised $413.046 million (approximately N587 billion) to support counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other African countries for the 2026 fiscal year.
The funding is included in the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025.
The Act provides a total of $901 billion for the US military and includes a 4 per cent pay increase for service members.
Under Title XLIII, Operation and Maintenance, the allocation aims to strengthen efforts against insurgency in Nigeria’s Northeast, banditry in the North-West, and maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has recently delivered military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of this ongoing cooperation.
The NDAA also establishes a new Bureau of African Affairs in the US Department of State, led by an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, to coordinate America’s policy and assistance programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
The legislation further requires detailed assessments of Russia’s military presence and strategic goals in Africa, including overseas bases and logistics networks, and their implications for US interests.
Security analyst Kabir Adamu of Beacon Consulting described the move as a reflection of Africa’s increasing geopolitical weight, fuelled by competition among global powers, economic stakes, and the continent’s vital resources.
“Africa has become a strategic arena due to insecurity, weak state control, and the presence of critical resources,” Adamu noted, adding that Nigeria’s position in West Africa positions it as a key focus for US engagement.
Analyst Chidi Omeje described the US-Nigeria relationship as a necessary partnership, not dominance, given the transnational nature of many of Nigeria’s security threats.
“Partnerships with global powers are essential to address these threats effectively,” he said, pointing out that Russia’s ability to provide substantial support is currently limited by its war in Ukraine.
In Abuja, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, recently urged expanded collaboration with the US Army during a meeting with US Defence Attaché, Lt. Col. Semira Moore.
He highlighted the value of American expertise in kinetic and non-kinetic operations, intelligence sharing, and troop welfare. Moore reaffirmed the US commitment to continued partnership.
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