The United States is preparing to withdraw about 200 military personnel deployed to Nigeria as part of efforts to support the country’s fight against Islamist militants, according to a report by The New York Times.
The planned withdrawal would bring an end to the larger US military deployment in Nigeria, although American officials said the mission had delivered significant intelligence and counterterrorism gains.
The troops were deployed to northeastern Nigeria in February, following US President Donald Trump’s criticism of the Nigerian government over attacks targeting Christians.
The deployment expanded an existing US military presence in the country, with American personnel supporting Nigerian forces through intelligence sharing, training and operational assistance.
According to The New York Times, the cooperation included joint intelligence operations and combat support, culminating in a May operation that killed Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described by US officials as a senior Islamic State leader.
US military officials also said more than 200 other militants were killed during subsequent airstrikes and ground operations involving American and Nigerian forces. The operations reportedly involved MQ-9 Reaper drones and AC-130 gunships.
Despite the reported military successes, terrorist attacks have continued in different parts of Nigeria.
Recent incidents include attacks in northwestern Nigeria in which gunmen reportedly killed more than two dozen people, including an imam, as well as another attack on a village in central Nigeria that left at least 25 people dead.
The New York Times also reported that terrorists attacked a military base in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the country despite increased military cooperation with the United States.
US Africa Command spokesperson, Col. Becky Heyse, described the Nigerian mission as an example of how a limited and temporary American military presence could produce significant security benefits.
“Our recent joint efforts in Nigeria are a prime example of how this tailored, temporary footprint can yield significant security returns,” Heyse said.
The Nigerian military has not publicly commented on the reported withdrawal, according to The New York Times.
However, US military officials said smaller teams of trainers and intelligence analysts would remain in Nigeria after the larger contingent leaves, with the withdrawal expected to be completed by late September.
US-Nigeria Security Cooperation
The planned withdrawal comes after months of increased military cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu exchanged letters in July reaffirming their security partnership, while a senior Nigerian military delegation met with US military officials in Washington on August 13 to discuss shared security priorities.
The relationship between both countries intensified late last year after Trump threatened possible US military intervention in Nigeria over what he described as the killing of Christians by terrorist groups.
On Christmas Day, US warships, working with Nigerian intelligence, reportedly launched 16 Tomahawk missiles at targets in northwestern Nigeria.
The US subsequently expanded its military cooperation with Nigeria by deploying personnel to assist with intelligence gathering and training.
In May, American and Nigerian forces carried out the operation that killed al-Minuki, whom Trump described as a senior Islamic State figure.
Concerns Over Terrorist Regrouping
Despite the reported successes, security analysts have warned that the withdrawal could create an opportunity for terrorist groups to regroup if Nigeria is unable to maintain the intelligence and operational capabilities developed during the partnership.
Nigerian security analyst Malik Samuel said recent military operations had recorded notable successes, particularly in the northeast, where Nigerian forces conducted targeted operations against Islamic State insurgents.
Another security analyst, Kabir Adamu, however, warned that reduced American intelligence support could allow terrorist groups to reorganise and rebuild their networks.
The withdrawal is therefore expected to place greater responsibility on Nigerian security agencies to sustain intelligence gathering, targeted military operations and coordination against terrorist groups.
While smaller teams of US trainers and intelligence personnel are expected to remain in the country, Nigerian security forces will retain primary responsibility for the long-term fight against insurgency and terrorism.
