US earmarks $413m for Nigeria, Africa security operations as army seeks stronger partnership

The United States has set aside $413.046 million (about N587 billion) for security and counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026, as insecurity worsens across West Africa.

The allocation is contained in the US National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, approved under the operation and maintenance component of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

The funding comes amid persistent insurgency, banditry and violent extremism across the region, as well as renewed US-backed counter-terrorism efforts, including recent strikes on terrorist hideouts in parts of Sokoto State.

As part of ongoing security cooperation, AFRICOM on Tuesday delivered military equipment to Nigerian security agencies to support operations across the country.

The NDAA 2026, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025, authorises a total of $901 billion in US defence spending and provides a four per cent pay rise for American troops. It represents the 65th consecutive annual defence authorisation by the US Congress.

AFRICOM had requested $413.046 million and received the full amount, although the Act did not specify how the funds would be disbursed or which countries would receive what share.

The allocation comes as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West, while piracy and other maritime crimes persist in the Gulf of Guinea. In the wider region, Mali remains under sustained jihadist attacks, while northern Benin has recorded spillover violence from the Sahel.

Other regional commands funded under the operation and maintenance category include the US European Command with $385.744 million, US Southern Command with $224.971 million, and US Forces Korea with $77.049 million. Funding was also approved for cyberspace operations ($331.467 million) and cybersecurity activities ($550.089 million). Overall, operating forces under this category received a total of $39.999 billion.

Beyond military spending, the Act also establishes the position of Assistant Secretary for African Affairs within the US Department of State. The office will be responsible for overseeing US foreign policy and assistance relating to sub-Saharan Africa.

A Bureau of African Affairs, to be headed by the Assistant Secretary, was also created to manage policy implementation and coordination across the region.

The NDAA further mandates a detailed assessment of Russia’s military strategy and force posture in Africa, including its overseas bases, logistics capabilities and power-projection infrastructure, as well as the implications for US contingency planning under AFRICOM, US Central Command and US European Command.

Army–US ties

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army to address Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges.

Shaibu made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the US Defense Attaché to Nigeria, Lt. Col. Semira Moore, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

He praised the United States for its sustained partnership and support, noting that the Nigerian Army has benefitted from US military professionalism and institutional expertise.

The army chief stressed the need to expand cooperation in areas such as operational effectiveness, institutional capacity building, doctrine development and strategic capability, adding that international military partnerships remain critical to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security framework.

In her response, Moore reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening ties with the Nigerian Army, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational planning.

She also disclosed that the United States would continue to support Nigeria in non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare, which she described as vital to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness.