US to Spend ₦587 Billion on Counter-Insurgency Operations in Nigeria and West Africa in 2026

The US is set to allocate ₦587 billion for counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026, amidst escalating security challenges in West Africa. The funds, part of the US National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026, will support operations by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to combat terrorism and enhance security efforts.

This comes as Nigeria faces persistent insurgency in the north-east and widespread banditry in the north-west, while other West African nations battle rising threats of insurgency, banditry, and maritime piracy. The budget also outlines a significant increase in annual military spending and troop deployments, reflecting heightened US engagement in the region.