The United States has reinforced its security commitment to West Africa, approving a substantial $413 million allocation for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and the sub-region for the 2026 fiscal year.
The funding was solidified following the signing of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) in December 2025. The budget, allocated under the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), represents Washington’s direct response to the deteriorating security landscape across the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea.
The $413 million forms part of a massive $901 billion US defense package, which also includes a four percent pay rise for American service members. Notably, the amount approved for West African operations represents the full sum requested by AFRICOM for its operations and maintenance budget, signaling strong bipartisan support in Washington for prioritizing African stability.
While the Act does not offer a specific country-by-country breakdown, the funds are expected to target key flashpoints. Nigeria remains a central focus as it battles a complex web of threats: a prolonged insurgency in the North-East, rampant banditry in the North-West, and piracy disrupting commerce in the Gulf of Guinea.
This financial commitment follows a visible escalation in US-Nigeria military cooperation. Recent weeks have seen:
US air strikes targeting suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025, executed in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
AFRICOM recently confirmed the delivery of military hardware to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja.
“This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM stated regarding the recent transfer of equipment.
Beyond the monetary allocation, the 2026 NDAA introduces significant structural changes to how the US engages with the continent.
The law establishes a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the State Department and creates a dedicated Bureau of African Affairs. This move is designed to streamline US foreign policy and improve the coordination of assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.
The legislation mandates a comprehensive review of Russia’s military activities and posture in Africa. This intelligence will likely shape future strategic planning for AFRICOM as global powers vie for influence in the region.
The funding comes at a critical time, with Mali facing renewed militant pressure and northern Benin experiencing spillover violence, necessitating a robust, regional approach to security.
