US Withdraws Troops from Nigeria

The United States has withdrawn most of the nearly 200 troops it deployed to Nigeria earlier this year after completing a joint counterterrorism mission against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin.

The deployment, which began in February 2026, saw US forces provide intelligence, surveillance, and specialized operational support to Nigerian troops.

According to US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the mission led to the elimination of a senior ISWAP leader and several top commanders, disrupting the group’s communications, recruitment network, and operational activities.

A senior US military official said the withdrawal reflects the successful completion of the operation rather than a reduction in bilateral security cooperation.

While most of the troops assigned to the mission have departed, a smaller US contingent will remain to continue intelligence sharing and other security assistance requested by the Nigerian government.

Nigerian authorities welcomed the outcome, describing the joint operation as a major boost to ongoing efforts against insurgents in the northeast.

Recent military campaigns have also resulted in the neutralization of several militants and the surrender of others, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s growing counterterrorism capabilities.

The Lake Chad Basin, which spans Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, remains one of Africa’s most volatile regions due to the activities of ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Although the troop drawdown marks the end of a specific mission, both Abuja and Washington have reaffirmed their commitment to sustained security cooperation through intelligence collaboration as Nigeria continues to confront terrorism alongside other security challenges, including banditry and farmer-herder clashes.