The United States (US) has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin, while reaffirming its commitment to continued intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government.
Newsonspot reports that the development was announced by General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of the US Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa, during a virtual press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.
According to Anderson, the military operation that required the deployment of US troops has been successfully completed, leading to the withdrawal of most American personnel from Nigeria. However, he stressed that the partnership between both countries remains active through intelligence collaboration and other forms of security support.
He explained that the operation in the Lake Chad Basin not only strengthened security in the immediate region but also disrupted the global operations of the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh), making a significant contribution to international counterterrorism efforts.
Anderson noted that the continued intelligence partnership was requested by the Nigerian government and is aimed at helping the country’s security agencies effectively tackle terrorism and other emerging threats.
Describing Nigeria as a key regional ally with a capable military, strong economy and well-educated population, the US Air Force commander praised the cooperation between both countries, saying it has produced significant gains in the fight against terrorism.
He disclosed that intelligence collaboration between the United States and Nigeria played a crucial role in a joint operation that eliminated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-highest-ranking ISIS leader responsible for the group’s global operations, media activities and recruitment.
According to Anderson, the success of the operation demonstrates that strategic intelligence sharing and the deployment of specialised capabilities are more effective than maintaining long-term foreign troop deployments.
He added that future US engagement in Africa would focus on supporting partner nations with unique intelligence and operational capabilities that enhance their ability to lead counterterrorism operations independently.
Beyond terrorism, Anderson called for stronger intelligence cooperation among African countries to combat drug trafficking, organised crime and other transnational security threats.
He cited a recent multinational operation that intercepted a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine travelling from South America through the West African coastline. The operation, coordinated through US agencies, AFRICOM and international partners, resulted in what he described as the largest maritime drug seizure ever recorded.
The US commander emphasised that sustained collaboration among African governments, international allies and private-sector stakeholders would be essential to improving regional security, encouraging investment and promoting long-term economic growth across the continent.
The United States deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February 2026 to support intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin as both countries expanded cooperation against ISIS and other extremist groups.
The security partnership reached a major milestone in May 2026 when a joint US-Nigerian operation successfully eliminated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki during a raid on his hideout in Borno State, marking one of the most significant victories against the terrorist organisation in recent years.
