US Votes $413m For Counter-insurgency Operations In Nigeria, Others

The United States government has approved $413.046 million (₦587 billion) to support counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other African countries under the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).

The fund, allocated under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance, formed part of the budget for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and reflects Washington’s growing focus on the continent amid worsening insecurity across West Africa.

The NDAA, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025, authorises $901 billion in total military spending, including a 4% pay raise for troops. AFRICOM’s entire request for $413.046 million was approved, though the Act did not specify how the funds would be distributed among countries.

The fresh allocation comes shortly after AFRICOM delivered military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing joint counter-terrorism initiatives. It also follows the Christmas Day airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State, ordered by the Trump administration.

Beyond funding, the NDAA also establishes a new Bureau of African Affairs within the US Department of State, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

The bureau, according to the Act, will oversee the implementation of US foreign policy and assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.

“There shall be in the Department of State a Bureau of African Affairs, which shall perform such functions related to implementation of United States foreign policy and assistance to sub-Saharan Africa as the Under Secretary for Political Affairs may prescribe,” the Act states.

The Assistant Secretary, it adds, “shall maintain continuous observation and coordination of all matters pertaining to implementation of United States foreign policy in sub-Saharan Africa.”

The Act further mandates an assessment of Russia’s military strategy and force posture in Africa, including its overseas basing, logistics, and power projection infrastructure, a move analysts see as part of Washington’s broader effort to counter Moscow’s influence on the continent.

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 to address Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the US Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lt. Col. Semira Moore, Shaibu commended the enduring partnership between both militaries, noting that Nigeria has benefited significantly from American professionalism and institutional expertise.

“The Nigerian Army remains eager to leverage the extensive experience of the US Army in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” Shaibu said.

He also advocated expanded collaboration in operational effectiveness, capacity building, doctrine development, and strategic planning.

In her remarks, Lt. Col. Moore reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army, especially in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance.

“The United States remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives,” she said.