US Blacklists Nigeria In New Report Over Child Combatants By Boko Haram, Threatens Military Aid Cuts
The US has blacklisted Nigeria under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act due to the recruitment of child combatants by Boko Haram and ISWAP. This designation threatens to cut off military aid and training unless a presidential waiver is granted.
Why it matters
This move significantly impacts Nigeria's security cooperation with the US and highlights ongoing human rights failures in the region.
The designation followed findings in the US Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which identified Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as groups recruiting and using children in armed activities in Nigeria. The report covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act blacklist, warning that the country could lose access to military training, weapons sales, defence financing and other security assistance over the continued recruitment and use of children by armed groups.
Nigeria was among 14 countries placed on the list, alongside Russia, Iran, South Sudan and Somalia. Under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA), the designation could trigger restrictions on certain forms of American military assistance unless US President Donald Trump grants a waiver or an applicable legal exception applies.
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