The United States has approved $413 million for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other West African countries in the 2026 fiscal year, following the signing of the National Defence Authorisation Act into law in December 2025.

The funding is allocated under the budget of the United States Africa Command and reflects Washington’s response to worsening security conditions across the region.

The allocation forms part of a broader defence spending package that authorises a total of 901 billion dollars in military expenditure and includes a four per cent pay rise for United States service members. The package marks the 65th consecutive annual defence authorisation by the US government.

Although the legislation does not provide a detailed breakdown of the 413 million dollars by country, the amount represents the full sum requested by AFRICOM for its Africa operations and maintenance budget.

The approval comes against the backdrop of escalating threats from jihadist groups, armed bandits and maritime criminals across Nigeria and neighbouring states.

Nigeria continues to face a prolonged insurgency in the North-East, growing banditry in the North-West and persistent piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

In the wider region, Mali is confronting renewed pressure from militant groups, while northern Benin has experienced spillover violence linked to instability in the Sahel.

Vanguard reported that the United States has stepped up security cooperation with Nigeria in recent weeks.

AFRICOM confirmed the delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja, describing the development as part of an ongoing security partnership between both countries.

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

The heightened engagement follows United States air strikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025, which were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

The operations point to a broader shift towards deeper United States involvement in the region, including expanded intelligence sharing and operational support aimed at countering extremist groups.

Beyond funding commitments, the defence law introduces significant policy changes affecting United States engagement with Africa.

The legislation establishes a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the United States State Department and creates a Bureau of African Affairs to coordinate foreign policy and assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.

It also mandates a comprehensive review of Russia’s military activities and posture on the continent, a move expected to influence future strategic planning involving AFRICOM, the United States Central Command and the United States European Command.