The designation was highlighted in the US State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, published on October 11. The report covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
According to the report, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to recruit, abduct and use children in conflict-related activities in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The groups reportedly use children as messengers, spies, porters, guards and combatants, with some subjected to abuse and forced to participate in suicide attacks.
The listing could affect International Military Education and Training programmes, foreign military financing, transfers of surplus defence equipment and licences for commercial military equipment sales. However, the restrictions may be waived or modified under applicable provisions of US law.
The report also raised concerns about Nigeria’s broader anti-trafficking efforts, including the handling of victims and alleged official complicity in trafficking offences.
Despite these criticisms, the US acknowledged increased Nigerian government spending on victim services and prevention programmes, as well as cooperation on international trafficking investigations.
The development comes amid ongoing security cooperation between Washington and Abuja. Nigerian authorities had yet to issue a detailed response to the report at the time of publication.
Your reaction
Story guide
Understand this story
Summary
The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act list, a designation that could restrict military training, financing and equipment sales unless a presidential waiver or other legal exception applies. The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) list, a decision that could lead to restrictions on military assistance, equipment...
Key takeaways
- The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act list, a designation that could restrict military training, financing and equipment sales unless a presidential waiver or other legal exception applies.
- The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) list, a decision that could lead to restrictions on military assistance, equipment sales and defence cooperation unless a presidential waiver or applicable legal exception is granted.The designation was highlighted in the US State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, published on October 11.
- The report covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.According to the report, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to recruit, abduct and use children in conflict-related activities in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Article FAQ
What is this story about?
The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act list, a designation that could restrict military training, financing and equipment sales unless a presidential waiver or other legal exception applies. The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) list, a decision that could lead to restrictions on military assistance, equipment...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 13, 2026
