The United States government has officially approved a substantial budget of $413.046 million (approximately N587 billion) to fund military operations across Africa, with Nigeria being a key focus. This allocation is part of the US National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for the 2026 fiscal year, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2024.
Breaking Down the 2026 US Defence Budget for Africa
The funding, approved under Title XLII for Operation and Maintenance, is designated for the US African Command (AFRICOM). It comes as the security landscape in West Africa deteriorates, marked by insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism. The comprehensive NDAA 2026 authorises a total of $901 billion in annual military spending and includes a 4% pay rise for American troops.
Notably, while AFRICOM proposed the exact sum of $413.046 million and received approval, the act does not provide a detailed breakdown of how these specific funds will be utilised. This allocation follows a recent escalation of US military activity in the region, including an airstrike on a suspected terrorists' hideout in Sokoto state on Christmas Day.
Context and Controversy: The Sokoto Strike and Its Aftermath
The Christmas Day operation in Sokoto was reportedly prompted by claims from President Trump and some US lawmakers alleging the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. This justification has been met with criticism and described as biased, given that victims of terrorism in Nigeria include people of various faiths, with Muslims often suffering significant casualties.
The action has had ripple effects beyond Sokoto. In a related development, a community in Niger State's Mashegu Local Government Area was thrown into tension following the discovery of a suspected Tomahawk missile, which local police confirmed is under investigation. Furthermore, the US commitment to regional security was demonstrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, when AFRICOM delivered a consignment of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies to bolster their operational capacity.
Regional Security Challenges and US Involvement
The massive funding injection occurs against a backdrop of severe and persistent security threats across West Africa. Northern Benin faces violence spilling over from the Sahel, while Mali continues to grapple with jihadist attacks. Within Nigeria, the North-East remains embroiled in an insurgency, and the North-West is plagued by relentless banditry.
The US budgetary move signals a continued and potentially deepening military engagement in the region. Some American lawmakers and the Trump administration have threatened further military actions in Nigeria, keeping the issue of sovereignty and external intervention at the forefront of regional security discussions. The full impact of this $413 million allocation on counter-terrorism and stability efforts in Nigeria and its neighbours remains to be seen.
