The United States government has approved $413.046 million (about ₦587 billion) to support military operations in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, as the region battles escalating insecurity.
The funding is designed to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent threats destabilising several countries, including Nigeria.
The allocation forms part of the 2026 US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a sweeping defence bill that authorises a total global military budget of $901 billion. The legislation was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025.
Under the Act, the money for Africa falls within the “Operations and Maintenance” budget for the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), aimed at boosting counter-terrorism efforts and improving regional security operations.
The approval follows increased American military engagement in Nigeria. On Christmas Day 2025, US forces carried out airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State. Days later, AFRICOM delivered new military equipment to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja to enhance operational capacity and tactical response.
The equipment transfer is viewed as a strategic move to modernise Nigeria’s security infrastructure and improve its ability to confront insurgents.
Beyond funding, the NDAA 2026 introduces major policy changes for Africa. It establishes a Bureau of African Affairs and the office of an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs within the US State Department.
These new structures will coordinate US foreign policy and security assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition, the law orders a detailed review of Russia’s expanding military influence in Africa, signalling Washington’s intent to counter both terrorism and rising geopolitical competition on the continent.
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