Nigeria’s Child Soldiers Listing, Balancing Counterterrorism and Child Protection

The United States’ decision to place Nigeria on its child soldiers list raises the prospect of restrictions on military assistance, exposing the tension between counterterrorism cooperation and the obligation to protect children from recruitment and exploitation.

Nigeria’s security partnership with the United States faces a difficult test following Washington’s decision to include the country on its 2026 Child Soldiers Prevention Act list. The designation could restrict certain forms of American military assistance, equipment sales and defence cooperation, adding a diplomatic complication to Nigeria’s efforts to combat insurgency.

The decision, reported in the US State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, cites the continued recruitment and use of children by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The assessment covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Nigeria is among 14 countries named under the legislation.The implications extend beyond military relations. The designation raises fundamental questions about child protection, institutional accountability and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s response to human trafficking.