US Threatens to Cut Military Aid to Nigeria

US Threatens to Cut Military Aid to Nigeria Over Child Soldier Concerns

The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act blacklist, a move that could restrict military assistance, weapons sales and defence cooperation from October 1, 2026, unless a presidential waiver is granted.

The designation was highlighted in the US State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, published on October 11. The report identified Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as groups responsible for recruiting, abducting and using children in armed conflict, with some reportedly as young as 12.

According to the report, children are exploited as fighters, spies, messengers, porters and suicide bombers. It also raised concerns about the trafficking of women and girls, forced labour, sexual exploitation and the alleged involvement of some government officials in trafficking-related crimes.

The report stated that Nigerian authorities investigated 1,341 trafficking cases, leading to 94 prosecutions and 97 convictions. However, only 675 trafficking victims received government-supported assistance during the reporting period, compared with 2,058 in the previous period.

Despite acknowledging increased government spending on victim support and prevention programmes, the US assessment criticised gaps in accountability, victim protection and enforcement.

Nigeria’s designation could affect several forms of US security assistance, including military training and financing, although exceptions or a presidential waiver may apply. NAPTIP has indicated that it will publicly respond to the report.

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