U.S. Backs Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism With $413m Regional Security Fund

The United States has approved $413m for counter-insurgency and broader security operations in Nigeria and other West African countries in the 2026 fiscal year.

The development follows the signing of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) into law in December 2025.

The funding was approved under the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) budget.

It is part of the $901bn U.S. military expenditure and includes a four per cent pay rise for US service members.

Although the Act does not provide a country-by-country breakdown of the $413m, the amount represents the full sum requested by AFRICOM for its Africa operations and maintenance budget for the coming year.

The approval comes amid threats from jihadist groups, armed bandits and maritime criminals across Nigeria and neighbouring states.

Nigeria has continued to battle prolonged insurgency in the North-East, rising banditry in the North-West and other security threats across the country.

Elsewhere in the sub-region, Mali is facing militant pressure, while northern Benin has experienced spillover violence from the Sahel.

In recent weeks, the United States has also stepped up security cooperation with Nigeria. AFRICOM confirmed the delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies in Nigeria, describing the move as part of an expanding partnership aimed at strengthening regional stability.

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

The development also follows US air strikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

Beyond funding, the defence law introduces significant policy changes. It establishes a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US State Department and creates a Bureau of African Affairs to coordinate US foreign policy and assistance across sub-Saharan Africa.

The legislation also mandates a comprehensive review of Russia’s military activities in the continent.