US Withdraws Most Troops from Nigeria Following Joint Counterterrorism Mission
The United States has withdrawn the majority of its forces deployed for a joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin, according to military officials.
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The United States has withdrawn most of its military personnel who were deployed in Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, confirmed during a press briefing following the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026. The operation focused on countering terrorist activities in the Lake Chad Basin region.
General Anderson emphasized that despite the troop withdrawal, the U.S.-Nigeria security partnership remains active, particularly in intelligence-sharing efforts targeting the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh). 'The partnership between Washington and Abuja remained active,' he stated, underscoring continued collaboration beyond the physical presence of troops.
The Lake Chad Basin has long been a focal point for regional counterterrorism efforts due to persistent threats from extremist groups operating across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The recent U.S. deployment was part of a broader strategy to support local forces with air assets and intelligence capabilities. According to Daily Trust, the forces were specifically engaged in a time-limited mission, which concluded with the withdrawal.
The drawdown signals a transition from direct operational support to sustained intelligence cooperation. Neither Vanguard News nor Daily Trust provided details on the number of troops involved or specific operational outcomes. However, the U.S. military’s continued emphasis on intelligence coordination suggests an ongoing commitment to regional stability without a large forward presence.