US Threatens Military Aid Cuts to Nigeria Over Child Soldiers

Washington raises concerns over child recruitment by armed groups and gaps in Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts.

The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) list, raising the possibility of restrictions on military assistance, arms sales and defence cooperation over concerns about the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The designation was highlighted in the US Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which identified the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as major concerns.

Nigeria is among 14 countries identified under the legislation, alongside countries including Russia, Iran, Somalia and South Sudan.

The designation could affect certain categories of US security assistance unless an applicable exception or presidential waiver is granted.

Why the US Listed Nigeria Over Child Soldiers

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

Children have reportedly been used as fighters, messengers, domestic workers, guards and spies, while others have been subjected to forced labour and sexual exploitation.

The findings highlight the continuing vulnerability of children in conflict-affected communities, particularly in northeastern Nigeria.

The Child Soldiers Prevention Act seeks to discourage the recruitment and use of children by government security forces and government-supported armed groups through restrictions on certain forms of US military assistance.

What the US Military Aid Restrictions Could Mean

Under the legislation, affected countries may face restrictions involving International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defense Articles and certain peacekeeping assistance programmes.

Licences for direct commercial sales of military equipment may also be affected.

However, the law permits exceptions and presidential waivers under specified conditions.

As a result, Nigeria’s inclusion on the list does not automatically establish that every form of military cooperation with Washington has been suspended.

US Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Beyond child recruitment, the 2026 report raised concerns about corruption, alleged official complicity in trafficking crimes and weaknesses in victim protection.

According to figures cited in the assessment, Nigerian authorities investigated 1,341 trafficking cases involving 1,367 suspects.

The report recorded 94 prosecutions and 97 convictions, while noting that only 675 trafficking victims received government-supported assistance, compared with 2,058 in the previous reporting period.

Nigeria retained its Tier 2 classification, indicating that the government does not fully meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but is making significant efforts to comply.

What Happens Next for Nigeria?

The designation places renewed attention on Nigeria’s efforts to prevent the recruitment of children, strengthen victim protection and hold perpetrators accountable.

It also raises questions about the future of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States as the country continues to confront terrorist groups and other security threats.

The extent of any restrictions will depend on the implementation of US law, applicable exceptions and any presidential waiver.

Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has indicated that it will make its response to the report public.