Nigeria Added to US Blacklist Over Child Recruitment

The United States has added Nigeria to the blacklist under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act, a move that could restrict military assistance, arms sales, and defense cooperation unless President Donald Trump grants an exemption.

This classification was included in the U.S. State Department's 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which accused armed groups operating in Nigeria of recruiting and using children in their activities.

The report identified Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa as groups that recruit, abduct, and use children, including as fighters, spies, porters, messengers, and guards. It noted that some children are no older than 12 years.

Countries listed on the blacklist may face restrictions on international military education and training, foreign military financing, excess defense articles, and certain commercial licenses for military equipment. These restrictions are subject to presidential waivers and other legal exceptions.

According to the report, the restrictions will take effect on October 1 of the fiscal year unless a waiver or other exception is granted.

This classification comes amid continued security cooperation between Washington and Abuja, including efforts to combat extremist groups in northeastern Nigeria.

The report also criticized Nigeria's broader record in combating human trafficking, stating that Abuja failed to meet minimum standards for eliminating trafficking for the fifteenth consecutive year.

The report noted that Nigerian authorities investigated 1,341 human trafficking cases during the reporting period, recorded 94 prosecutions, and secured 97 convictions. Of the 2,004 victims identified, 675 received government-supported assistance, according to the report.

The State Department also expressed concerns regarding allegations of corruption and official complicity in human trafficking crimes, stating that the government did not report investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of allegedly involved officials.

The report acknowledged some progress made, including increased government funding for victim services and prevention programs, as well as cooperation with foreign governments in trafficking investigations and repatriating exploited Nigerians abroad.