US Blacklists Nigeria, Threatens to Cut Off Military Aid

The United States has placed Nigeria on its list of countries subject to the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA), a decision that could restrict military assistance, arms sales and certain defence cooperation from October 1, 2026, unless President Donald Trump grants a waiver.

The development was disclosed in the US Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, released on October 11. The report identified Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as armed groups that continue to recruit, abduct and use children in Nigeria.

The assessment covered Nigeria’s efforts to combat human trafficking between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. It also raised concerns about official corruption, the prosecution of trafficking cases and the assistance available to victims.

Nigeria is among 14 countries identified under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act. Other countries on the list include Russia, Iran, Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Under the US law, countries on the list may face restrictions on specific forms of security assistance and the commercial licensing of military equipment. The affected programmes include International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defense Articles and certain peacekeeping support.

The report stated that the restrictions were due to take effect on October 1, 2026, unless a presidential waiver was approved, a legal exception applied or assistance was restored under the provisions of the law.

The legislation also limits licences for the direct commercial sale of military equipment to governments identified under the Act, although exemptions may be available in certain circumstances.

The decision comes as Nigeria and the United States continue to cooperate on security matters, including efforts to combat terrorism and other threats. Any restrictions could affect aspects of that relationship, depending on the assistance involved and whether exemptions are granted.

According to the report, Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to recruit and abduct children, including those as young as 12, for various roles within their operations.

The children are reportedly forced to prepare food, carry out domestic duties, gather intelligence, transport supplies, deliver messages and serve as guards or bodyguards. Some are also made to man checkpoints, enforce the groups’ rules, participate in armed attacks or carry out suicide bombings.

The report further stated that children recruited by the groups in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger face physical and sexual abuse, as well as the forced use of drugs.

The US assessment places Nigeria among countries facing potential consequences under Washington’s child soldier prevention legislation, while raising broader concerns about human trafficking, accountability for offenders and the protection of vulnerable people.