The joint operation, carried out in May 2026, resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a senior ISIS leader, in Borno State, marking a significant milestone in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region
kaNo —
The United States has withdrawn most of its troops deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin, marking the end of a key phase of direct military involvement while maintaining intelligence and security cooperation between both nations
The development was disclosed by Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa, during a digital press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.
He said although the specific operation had concluded and most U.S. personnel had departed, Washington remained committed to supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing and strategic collaboration.
“That operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped the countries in that immediate region; it also helps countries globally as that disrupts the ISIS network,” he said.
He added that the withdrawal reflected a shift in strategy rather than a reduction in commitment, noting that the United States would continue to provide critical intelligence support at Nigeria’s request.
“We have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation, but we are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the intelligence sharing and the understanding that’s necessary to be able to prosecute these difficult tasks,” Anderson stated.
The U.S. general described Nigeria as a capable and strategic partner with a strong military and emphasised that collaboration between both countries had produced tangible results in the fight against terrorism.
“I think the partnership that we’ve shown recently with Nigeria, where Nigeria is a very capable and large country with a strong economy and a very capable military, has demonstrated what can be achieved when intelligence and operational capabilities are integrated,” he said.
Anderson stressed that the success underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations over prolonged foreign troop deployments, suggesting that future U.S. engagements in Africa would increasingly prioritise capacity building and intelligence sharing.
“So I think as we go forward, that is an example of how we’re looking at engaging with partners to help them be more effective by only bringing unique U.S. capabilities that allow the partner to be effective in these fights,” he added.
He also called for stronger intelligence collaboration among African nations, arguing that improved information sharing was essential to tackling terrorism, illicit trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Highlighting the benefits of such cooperation, Anderson cited a recent multinational effort that led to the interception of a record 31-tonne cocaine shipment along the West African coast.
The shipment, which originated from South America, was eventually seized by a Spanish naval vessel following coordinated intelligence sharing involving multiple partners.
“I was able to coordinate through our interagency in the United States, through AFRICOM, and then notify some of the partners. Eventually, it was a Spanish ship that interdicted the vessel carrying 31 tonnes of cocaine, the largest maritime drug seizure we’ve ever seen,” he said.
The United States had deployed approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February 2026 to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the Lake Chad Basin, an area that has long been a hotspot for terrorist activities, including those of ISIS-affiliated groups.
The deployment came amid expanding security ties between Washington and Abuja, particularly in response to the growing threat posed by extremist organisations in the North-East and surrounding regions.
In December 2025, U.S. forces carried out airstrikes on suspected terrorist enclaves in the Bauni Forest in Sokoto State, further demonstrating the depth of military cooperation between the two countries.
Despite the withdrawal of troops, officials from both sides have emphasised that the partnership remains strong and firmly rooted in mutual interest and respect for sovereignty.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) reiterated that its operations in Nigeria are conducted strictly at the invitation of the Nigerian government and within an agreed bilateral framework.
AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Rebecca Heyse, stated during an X Space discussion that the collaboration was not imposed but driven by shared security objectives.
“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” she said.
Heyse added that the United States would continue the partnership for as long as it remained beneficial to both countries.
“As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the United States remains committed to the partnership,” she noted.
From the Nigerian side, the Defence Headquarters also reaffirmed its control over the scope and duration of the collaboration.
“The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities, and expertise the United States brings are things we require, and as long as we require them, we will continue to work together under the Joint Working Group framework,” he said.
Uba further disclosed that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel were currently undergoing specialised training in the North-East as part of the collaboration, describing the programme as highly beneficial to ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
Security analysts say the transition from direct troop deployment to intelligence-driven support reflects a broader evolution in global counterterrorism strategy, with increasing emphasis on local capacity building and partnership-based approaches.
While the withdrawal of U.S. troops may raise questions about the future of on-ground military assistance, officials insist that the continued flow of intelligence, training, and technical support will sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism.
