US Approves $413m for Counter-Insurgency Operations in Nigeria, Others

The United States has allocated $413 million for counterinsurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other West African nations for the 2026 fiscal year, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed into law in December 2025.

This funding is included in the budget for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and reflects the U.S. response to the growing security challenges in the region.

This allocation is part of a larger defense spending package that authorizes a total military expenditure of $901 billion and includes a four percent pay increase for U.S. service members, marking the 65th consecutive year of defense authorization.

While the Act does not specify how the $413 million will be distributed among the countries, it represents the full request made by AFRICOM for its operations and maintenance budget in Africa.

The approval comes amid rising threats from jihadist groups, armed bandits and maritime criminals across Nigeria and neighbouring states. Nigeria continues to grapple with a prolonged insurgency in the North-East, expanding banditry in the North-West, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Elsewhere, Mali faces renewed militant pressure, while northern Benin has experienced spillover violence from the Sahel.

According to Vanguard, in recent weeks, the US has intensified security cooperation with Nigeria. AFRICOM confirmed the delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja, describing the move as part of a shared security partnership.

“This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” the command said.

The increased engagement follows US air strikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The actions signal a broader shift towards deeper US involvement in the region, including intelligence sharing and operational support against extremist groups.

Beyond funding, the defence law introduces notable policy changes. It establishes a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US State Department and creates a Bureau of African Affairs to coordinate US foreign policy and assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.

The legislation also mandates a comprehensive review of Russia’s military activities and posture in Africa, a move likely to shape US strategic planning involving AFRICOM, Central Command and European Command.