The United States has withdrawn most of the military personnel it deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin, while reaffirming its commitment to intelligence sharing and broader security cooperation with the Nigerian government.
The Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, announced the development during a virtual briefing following the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.
According to Anderson, although the specific operation in the Lake Chad Basin has concluded and most American troops have returned home, the US will continue supporting Nigeria through intelligence collaboration at Abuja’s request.
He explained that the operation not only strengthened security within the Lake Chad region but also disrupted the global operations of the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh), contributing to international counterterrorism efforts.
Anderson said the partnership between the two countries had demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence cooperation over prolonged foreign military deployments.
He described Nigeria as a capable partner with a professional military, a strong economy, and a well-educated population, adding that joint intelligence efforts had produced significant successes in the fight against terrorism.
According to him, US intelligence support combined with Nigerian military operations led to the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of the ISIS global network, who was responsible for the group’s worldwide operations, propaganda, and recruitment.
The US commander noted that America intends to continue assisting partner nations by providing specialised capabilities that enhance their ability to combat terrorism rather than maintaining large troop deployments.
He also called for stronger intelligence sharing among African nations to tackle terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Highlighting the benefits of international cooperation, Anderson revealed that coordinated intelligence efforts recently led to the interception of a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine originating from South America and moving along the West African coast. He said the operation, which involved US agencies, AFRICOM, African partners, and a Spanish naval vessel, resulted in the largest maritime drug seizure on record.
He stressed that sustained collaboration between African countries, international allies, and the private sector remains essential for addressing security challenges, promoting stability, and creating an environment that supports economic growth and investment.
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 amid growing security cooperation between both countries against ISIS and other extremist groups.
The deployment followed Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump, who pledged increased American support in tackling terrorism.
In December 2025, the US conducted airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The security partnership reached a major milestone in May 2026 when a joint US-Nigerian operation eliminated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki at his hideout in Borno State.
