US Withdraws Troops from Nigeria After Islamic State Mission, Intelligence Cooperation Continues
The United States has withdrawn most of the military personnel it deployed to Nigeria earlier this year following the completion of a joint counterterrorism operation targeting Islamic State militants in the Lake Chad Basin. The withdrawal marks the end of a months-long combat mission that American officials say significantly disrupted the terrorist group’s operations, although security cooperation between both countries will continue.
The announcement was made by the commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, during the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference. According to Anderson, the operation achieved its immediate objectives by weakening the Islamic State network operating in the Lake Chad region and degrading its leadership structure. He explained that most of the additional American forces deployed specifically for the mission had now returned home following the successful conclusion of the operation.
General Anderson noted that the counterterrorism campaign benefited not only Nigeria and neighbouring countries around the Lake Chad Basin but also contributed to broader global security efforts by disrupting one of the Islamic State’s most active regional networks. He added that the operation demonstrated how targeted military cooperation between the United States and African partners could produce significant results without requiring a permanent expansion of foreign troop deployments.
Despite the withdrawal, AFRICOM stressed that the partnership between the United States and Nigeria remains active. An AFRICOM spokesperson said American forces continue to maintain a presence in Nigeria at the invitation of the Nigerian government, primarily for intelligence sharing, military training and advisory roles. Officials explained that troop numbers would continue to fluctuate depending on operational requirements, while cooperation against extremist organisations would remain a priority.
The United States had deployed approximately 200 additional military personnel to Nigeria earlier in 2026 to support Nigerian forces in combating Islamic State fighters and other extremist groups operating in the northeast. The deployment included special operations personnel who participated in intelligence-driven missions alongside Nigerian security forces during the offensive in the Lake Chad Basin.
The joint operation intensified in May with coordinated airstrikes and ground raids targeting Islamic State positions across northeastern Nigeria. One of the mission’s primary objectives was the capture of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified by U.S. officials as the global second-in-command of the Islamic State. After an extended firefight, American commandos called in an airstrike that killed the senior militant leader. Subsequent operations over several days reportedly eliminated around 200 Islamic State fighters, according to AFRICOM.
Military officials believe the successful operation has strengthened Nigeria’s ability to independently pursue terrorist cells. General Anderson said Nigerian forces have continued conducting offensive operations against extremist targets following the withdrawal of most U.S. combat troops, demonstrating improved operational capacity after months of joint planning, intelligence support and specialised training.
The troop reduction also reflects AFRICOM’s broader strategy of supporting African-led security efforts rather than maintaining large numbers of American combat forces on the continent. Anderson explained that the United States aims to provide unique capabilities, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and specialised military expertise, while allowing partner nations to lead operations within their own territories.
Security analysts note that the Lake Chad Basin remains one of Africa’s most volatile regions due to the continued activities of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram. Although recent operations have dealt significant blows to the extremist groups, authorities caution that the security threat has not been completely eliminated. Continued intelligence cooperation and regional coordination are expected to remain essential in preventing the militants from regrouping.
For Nigeria, the conclusion of the joint operation represents another step in its long-running campaign against insurgent groups that have destabilised parts of the northeast for more than a decade. While most American combat troops have now departed, both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close military cooperation as Nigerian forces continue efforts to eliminate remaining terrorist strongholds and improve security across affected regions.
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