US government to spend ₦587b on counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, others in 2026
US government to spend ₦587b on counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, others in 2026
The United States plans to spend about ₦587 billion ($413.046m) on counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026, amid worsening security conditions across West Africa.
The allocation is included in the US National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, obtained by Punch on Thursday. The funds were approved under Title XLIII, Operation and Maintenance.
The security allocation is for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which requested $413.046m for its operations and received the full amount authorised under the Act.
However, the NDAA did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds would be spent across African countries.
The budget comes against the backdrop of recent US-backed counter-terrorism actions, including Christmas Day strikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State, conducted with the instruction of President Trump.
News Region had earlier reported this week that AFRICOM delivered a consignment of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s counterinsurgency operations.
The development underscores growing US involvement in regional security as African states confront rising threats from insurgency, banditry and violent extremism.
The $413m allocation comes at a time when West Africa continues to face severe security challenges.
The NDAA 2026 is a wide-ranging legislation that outlines US defence policy priorities and authorises $901 billion in annual military spending, including a 4 per cent pay rise for US troops.
The Act was signed into law by President Trump on December 18, 2025, marking the 65th consecutive annual defence authorisation by the United States.
Other commands and activities listed under the operation and maintenance category of the NDAA include the United States European Command with a $385.744m budget, United States Southern Command with $224.971m, US Forces Korea with a $77.049m allocation, Cyberspace Activities (Cyberspace Operations), $331.467m and Cyberspace Activities (Cybersecurity), $550.089m.
The subtotal for operating forces under operation and maintenance in the Act stands at $39.999b.
The Act also provides for the establishment of an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs within the US Department of State.
According to the NDAA, the office will oversee matters relating to sub-Saharan Africa and coordinate the implementation of US foreign policy in the region.
How do you think the Nigerian government can fully take advantage of this huge amount of money from the US? Let us know in the comment below.
