The United States has placed Nigeria on its Child Soldiers Prevention Act blacklist, a move that could restrict military training, financing and weapons sales to the country.
The designation was disclosed in the US State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which cited the continued recruitment and use of children by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to the report, the restrictions could take effect from October 1, 2026, unless US President Donald Trump grants a waiver or an applicable exception is made.
The report listed Nigeria among 14 countries accused of recruiting or using child soldiers.
It alleged that Boko Haram and ISWAP recruited, abducted and exploited children, including those as young as 12, for roles ranging from spying and carrying supplies to combat and suicide bombings.
The report also criticised Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts, stating that the country had failed to meet minimum standards for combating human trafficking for the 15th consecutive year.
It said Nigerian authorities investigated 1,341 trafficking cases involving 1,367 suspects during the reporting period. However, 94 people were prosecuted and 97 traffickers convicted.
The report further disclosed that 2,004 trafficking victims were identified, but only 675 received government-supported assistance, compared with 2,058 in the previous reporting period.
It also raised concerns about alleged official complicity in trafficking crimes, saying the government did not report investigations or prosecutions of public officials allegedly involved.
Despite the criticisms, the US acknowledged increased Nigerian government spending on victim support and prevention programmes, as well as efforts to repatriate citizens exploited abroad.
When contacted for comments, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons’ spokesperson, Vincent Adekoye, said the agency would make its response public.
The Presidency’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to calls and a text message seeking comments, the report said.
