BY GODWIN OBI
The United States has approved $413.046 million (about ₦587 billion) for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026, amid worsening insecurity across West Africa.
The allocation is contained in the US National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, obtained on Thursday. The funds were approved under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance for the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The approval comes against the backdrop of rising insurgency, banditry and violent extremism in the region, as well as recent Christmas Day strikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State, carried out under the Donald Trump administration.
Earlier this week, AFRICOM delivered a consignment of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security operations nationwide.
The NDAA 2026 authorises a total of $901 billion in US defence spending, including a four per cent pay rise for American troops. AFRICOM requested $413.046m, which was fully approved, although the Act did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds would be utilised.
President Donald Trump signed the Act into law on December 18, 2025, marking the 65th consecutive annual defence authorisation by the United States.
Regional Security Context
The funding comes as West Africa continues to battle persistent security threats. In Nigeria, insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West remain active, while piracy and other maritime crimes persist in the Gulf of Guinea.
Neighbouring countries are also affected. Mali continues to face sustained jihadist attacks, while northern Benin has experienced a spillover of violence from the Sahel.
Under the same Operation and Maintenance category, other allocations include:
- US European Command: $385.744m
- US Southern Command: $224.971m
- US Forces Korea: $77.049m
- Cyberspace Operations: $331.467m
- Cybersecurity Activities: $550.089m
The subtotal for operating forces under this category stands at $39.999 billion.
New US Africa Policy Structures
The Act also provides for the establishment of an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs within the US Department of State, alongside a newly created Bureau of African Affairs.
According to the Act, the bureau will oversee matters relating to sub-Saharan Africa and coordinate the implementation of US foreign policy and assistance in the region.
The legislation further mandates assessments of Russia’s military strategy, force posture and infrastructure in Africa, including its overseas bases and logistics networks, and the implications for US contingency planning under AFRICOM, US Central Command and US European Command.
Analysts See Growing Geopolitical Rivalry
Commenting on the development, security analyst and Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Consulting, Kabir Adamu, said the funding reflects intensifying geopolitical rivalry in Africa, driven largely by economic interests.
According to him, Africa—particularly West Africa and the Sahel—has become strategically important due to insecurity, weak state control and the presence of critical natural resources.
Adamu noted that Russia and China have expanded their influence on the continent through military cooperation and economic engagement, forcing the US to reassess its posture.
“What the US is now trying to do is to catch up. Russia and China have, in practical terms, taken over much of Africa through economic interests,” he said.
He predicted increased rivalry among the three powers, stressing that the competition is primarily economic rather than military, with particular interest in rare earth minerals such as lithium.
Adamu urged Nigerian authorities to make public the details of any agreements entered into with the US.
“If the agreement is economic, it should be made public. If it is military, it should also be made public. Nigerians deserve clarity,” he said.
Partnership, Not Dominance — Experts
Another security analyst, Chidi Omeje, described Nigeria-US engagements as partnerships based on mutual respect and collaboration, rather than dominance.
He said many of Nigeria’s security challenges are linked to global terrorist networks, making international cooperation necessary.
“What we are dealing with are problems associated with global terrorist networks. If it is global, then partnership and collaboration are welcome,” Omeje said.
However, he expressed reservations about Russia’s expanding security role in Africa, citing Moscow’s limited capacity due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Nigerian Army, US Seek Deeper Cooperation
In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army.
Shaibu made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the US Defense Attaché to Nigeria, Lt. Col. Semira Moore, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He commended the US government for its sustained support and emphasised the need to expand cooperation in operational effectiveness, doctrine development, capacity building and strategic planning.
Lt. Col. Moore reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening ties with the Nigerian Army, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint planning, humanitarian assistance and troop welfare.
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2026-01-15