Nigeria blacklisted by US over child soldier use

The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act blacklist, a move that could result in significant cuts to military training, weapons sales, and foreign military financing starting October 1, 2026. This designation is subject to a potential waiver from President Donald Trump.

The decision follows the U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which cited the ongoing recruitment and use of children by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa within Nigeria. The report noted that Nigeria has failed to meet minimum anti-trafficking standards for 15 consecutive years.

Nigeria is among 14 nations, including Russia, Iran, South Sudan, and Somalia, identified in the report for the use of child soldiers. Under the CSPA, listed governments face restrictions on various security assistance programs, including International Military Education and Training, Excess Defense Articles, and certain peacekeeping operations, as well as prohibitions on direct commercial sales licenses for military equipment.