US Pull Troops Out Of Nigeria

The United States has withdrawn most of its troops deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin while maintaining intelligence-sharing and other security cooperation with the Nigerian government.

The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, during a digital press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

US ends troop deployment

Anderson explained that the military operation in the Lake Chad Basin had been concluded and that the majority of American personnel deployed for the mission had returned home.

He, however, stressed that the United States would continue supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation requested by the Nigerian government.

“And so 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,” Anderson said.

“And so — and then we have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation, but are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the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,” he added.

Partnership targets ISIS

The US Air Force commander described Nigeria as a capable partner with a strong military, large economy and educated population.

He said intelligence collaboration between both countries played a major role in dismantling terrorist networks and led to the successful operation that eliminated the second-in-command of the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh), who was responsible for the group’s global operations, media and recruitment activities.

According to him, the success demonstrated the value of combining Nigeria’s military capabilities with unique intelligence assets provided by the United States.

Intelligence sharing remains priority

Anderson said future US engagement in Africa would focus more on intelligence support and specialised capabilities rather than prolonged troop deployments.

He noted that helping partner nations improve their intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness remains a key component of Washington’s security strategy on the continent.

The general also urged African countries to deepen intelligence cooperation in tackling terrorism, organised crime and illicit trafficking.

Record drug interception highlighted

Highlighting the benefits of international collaboration, Anderson revealed that intelligence sharing recently contributed to the interception of a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine originating from South America and transiting through the West African coast.

He said the operation involved coordination between US agencies, AFRICOM and international partners before a Spanish naval vessel intercepted the ship carrying the illicit drugs.

According to him, the seizure was the largest drug interdiction ever recorded at sea and demonstrated the importance of sustained cooperation among African countries, international partners and the private sector in addressing transnational security threats.

Background to US deployment

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.

The deployment followed increased security cooperation between Washington and Abuja and came after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern while pledging stronger support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

The partnership recorded significant successes, including US air strikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State in December 2025 and the joint US-Nigerian operation in May 2026 that killed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, at his hideout in Borno State.