US Withdraws Most Troops from Nigeria, Shifts to Intelligence Support After Lake Chad Counterterrorism Mission

By Paul Joseph

(Starnews.com.ng)

The United States has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin, bringing the mission to an end while reaffirming its commitment to intelligence cooperation with Nigerian security agencies.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Dagvin R. M. Anderson during a virtual briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

Anderson disclosed that most American troops who participated in the operation had returned to the United States, but stressed that Washington would continue supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing and other strategic security partnerships at the request of the Nigerian government.

According to him, the operation dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh), weakening the terrorist group’s network in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

He explained that the US was now placing greater emphasis on specialised intelligence support and strategic collaboration rather than maintaining large troop deployments, describing the approach as more effective in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities.

Anderson described Nigeria as a dependable and professional security partner, noting that recent intelligence cooperation between both countries played a crucial role in the operation that eliminated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS with responsibility for the group’s global operations, media activities and recruitment.

He said the success underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating terrorism without the need for prolonged foreign military deployments.

The US commander also called on African nations to strengthen intelligence sharing and regional cooperation in tackling terrorism, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Highlighting the benefits of international collaboration, Anderson cited the interception of a record 31-tonne cocaine shipment off the West African coast. He said the operation was made possible through intelligence coordination involving the United States, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and partner nations before a Spanish vessel intercepted the consignment.

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 security partnership also included US airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State in December 2025 and culminated in a joint operation in May 2026 that killed senior ISIS commander Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki in Borno State.

Despite the withdrawal of most of its troops, the United States maintained that it would continue working closely with Nigerian security agencies through intelligence sharing and other strategic partnerships aimed at sustaining the fight against terrorism.