The United States is set to withdraw about 200 troops deployed to Nigeria as part of its counterterrorism operations, following what US officials described as significant gains against Islamist militants in the region.
According to The New York Times, the Pentagon plans to complete the withdrawal by late September, signalling a reduction in the US military presence in Nigeria.
The troops were deployed earlier this year to support Nigerian forces through intelligence-sharing, training and other counterterrorism activities.
Although the deployment was relatively small, US and Nigerian officials reportedly said it delivered significant results, particularly in strengthening intelligence cooperation and supporting counterterrorism operations.
However, the planned withdrawal will not end US military cooperation with Nigeria. Small teams of American trainers and intelligence analysts are expected to remain in the country to support ongoing security efforts.
US officials reportedly view the Nigerian deployment as a potential model for future counterterrorism missions in Africa, combining a limited military presence with intelligence cooperation and support for local security forces.
The planned drawdown follows a May operation in the Lake Chad Basin that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS.
Last month, the commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dagvin Anderson, said the United States had already withdrawn a significant number of troops from Nigeria following the operation.
Anderson said the May operation had significantly weakened ISIS’ leadership structure in Nigeria and globally.
He added that Nigeria had remained “very active” in efforts to prevent terrorist groups from sustaining themselves independently.
Despite the reduction in personnel, Anderson said the United States would maintain its intelligence partnership with Nigeria.
The development comes amid continued security cooperation between Abuja and Washington, including engagements on counterterrorism and the protection of vulnerable communities.
It also follows the second round of talks between Nigeria and the United States in Washington under a joint working group established to address the protection of Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
