The United States government has approved a sum of $413 million to support counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other West African nations for the 2026 fiscal year. The approval followed the signing of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) into law in December 2025. The allocation falls under the operational budget of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and reflects Washington’s growing concern over the worsening security situation across the West African region. The funding is part of a broader defence spending framework that authorises a total of $901 billion in military expenditure. The same legislation also includes a four per cent salary increase for US service members, marking the 65th consecutive year that the US Congress has passed a defence authorisation bill. While the NDAA does not provide a detailed breakdown showing how much of the $413 million will be spent in individual African countries, the amount represents the entire sum requested by AFRICOM for its Africa operations and maintenance budget for the year. This indicates a strong commitment by the United States to sustain its military presence and operational capacity across the continent. The approval comes at a time when security threats are intensifying across Nigeria and neighbouring states. Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including a long-running insurgency in the North-East, escalating banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, and persistent piracy activities in the Gulf of Guinea. These challenges have placed increasing pressure on the country’s security agencies and regional stability. Beyond Nigeria, other West African nations are also experiencing rising insecurity. Mali is dealing with renewed militant activities, while northern Benin has recorded violent attacks linked to extremist groups spilling over from the Sahel region. These developments have raised international concerns about the expansion of jihadist networks and organised criminal operations across borders. According to reports by Vanguard, the United States has recently stepped up its security cooperation with Nigeria. AFRICOM confirmed the delivery of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja, describing the move as part of an ongoing shared security partnership between both countries. The command noted that the equipment delivery is intended to support Nigeria’s current security operations and strengthen collaborative efforts. “This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM stated. The renewed engagement follows US air strikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025, which were reportedly carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. These actions signal a broader shift towards deeper US involvement in regional security efforts, including enhanced intelligence sharing, logistical assistance, and operational support aimed at countering extremist threats. In addition to funding provisions, the defence legislation introduces several policy changes related to Africa. It establishes a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US State Department and creates a Bureau of African Affairs tasked with coordinating American foreign policy and assistance across sub-Saharan Africa. The law also mandates a comprehensive review of Russia’s military activities and posture in Africa, a development expected to influence future US strategic planning involving AFRICOM, Central Command, and European Command. This review underscores the growing geopolitical competition on the continent and the importance the US places on Africa within its global security framework.
Atedo Peterside, President of ANAP Foundation and Founder of IBTC Bank, has offered insight into the reasons behind the growing wave of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. Speaking during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television and monitored on Monday, Peterside explained that the worsening security situation is closely linked to Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic imbalance and widespread poverty. According to him, individuals living in extreme hardship are often vulnerable and easily drawn into criminal activities such as banditry and terrorism because their basic needs remain unmet. Peterside pointed out that Nigeria suffers from a severe income distribution challenge. While a small segment of the population continues to thrive financially, a significantly larger portion struggles to survive under harsh economic conditions. He explained that in some economies, wealthy individuals and corporate elites may appear to be doing exceptionally well, benefiting from rising stock market gains and expanding assets. However, Peterside stressed that his concern lies with the estimated 140 million Nigerians living in poverty, describing them as the core of the nation’s security challenge. According to him, a society cannot maintain balance or stability when a large population remains impoverished while a few enjoy extreme wealth. He noted that it is unrealistic for affluent individuals to assume long-term safety and peace when they are surrounded by millions who lack access to basic opportunities. Although Peterside clarified that poverty alone should not be automatically linked to insecurity, he emphasized that neglect by the state creates conditions that make recruitment into terrorism and banditry easier. When people receive little or no support from government institutions, they become susceptible to manipulation and exploitation by criminal groups. He explained that these neglected individuals often become future bandits or terrorists, not necessarily by choice, but due to desperation and lack of alternatives. Peterside further highlighted Nigeria’s alarming education crisis, noting that about 30 million children are currently out of school. He explained that individuals without education find it increasingly difficult to participate meaningfully in a modern economy. Without employable skills or access to decent jobs, such individuals are more likely to become targets for criminal recruitment. According to him, the inability to integrate into productive economic systems pushes many young people toward insecurity-related activities. He concluded by warning that Nigeria is facing a serious national challenge and questioned how leadership could remain comfortable in the face of such widespread economic and social distress.
