In brief
The United States has withdrawn the bulk of its 200 soldiers from Nigeria, citing the successful dismantling of Islamic State’s leadership structure in the Lake Chad Basin. A joint operation launched in December set strikes on Christmas day and followed by a larger deployment two months later. Senior IS figure Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki was killed during the mission. Nigerian forces say the withdrawal does not hinder their momentum, while intelligence‑sharing will continue. Despite the operation, Islamist insurgents still carry out attacks in north‑eastern Nigeria.
US forces have largely pulled out of Nigeria after a 12‑month campaign against Islamist militants.
The joint operation launched in December targeted the Lake Chad Basin, striking militants on Christmas day before sending a 200‑soldier contingent two months later. Senior IS leader Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki was killed during the campaign.
The operation was deemed a success, with US statements affirming significant degradation of IS leadership.
Nigeria’s military spokesperson assured that the troop withdrawal would not affect their momentum, while intelligence‑sharing with the US will continue.
Even with the withdrawal, US personnel remain in Nigeria, and the country still faces attacks from Islamist jihadists and other criminal groups, especially in the north‑east.
US and Nigerian cooperation intensified after Washington raised concerns over Nigeria’s protection of vulnerable groups, including accusations of a Christian genocide.
Nigeria refuted these claims, stating the violence is complex and affects people from all communities, though most victims of jihadist attacks are Muslims in the northern region.
