In brief
A joint US‑Nigerian operation launched in December targeted Islamist militants in the Lake Chad Basin, culminating in the death of senior IS figure Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki. After about 200 US soldiers entered covert support roles, the United States has now withdrawn most of its deployed forces while maintaining a presence for intelligence and training. Nigerian officials insist that the withdrawal will not hinder their counter‑insurgency momentum. Analysts note that the region remains threatened by Islamist attacks, banditry, and criminal violence, highlighting ongoing security challenges. Both governments affirm continued intelligence sharing and partnership going forward.
The United States has withdrawn most of the troops it deployed in Nigeria earlier this year in an effort to help fight Islamist militant groups.
In December, US and Nigerian forces launched a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin, with strikes against militants on Christmas Day and the deployment of about 200 soldiers two months later.
Senior Islamic State (IS) leader Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki was killed during the months‑long mission, according to a US briefing.
The US said the operation had been a success, while Nigeria’s military spokesperson told the BBC that the withdrawal would “not affect our momentum in any way”.
Despite the operations, jihadist groups continue to stage attacks, especially in north‑eastern Nigeria. Seg‑Gen Michael Onoja said intelligence‑sharing between the two countries will continue, and the US military confirmed the same in its briefing.
Military cooperation between Nigeria and the US increased after Washington accused Nigerian authorities of not doing enough to protect vulnerable groups against Islamist militants and alleged a “Christian genocide”. Nigeria firmly rejected this claim, saying violence is complex and affects people from all communities. Organisations monitoring political violence in Nigeria say most victims of jihadist groups are Muslims, as the groups mostly operate in the north where Islam predominates.
Earlier this year, the US said it would deploy about 200 troops to support Nigeria’s counter‑insurgency efforts, stressing that its forces would not take part in ground combat. General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US Air Forces in Africa, announced the departure of most troops while noting the operation had significantly degraded IS leadership and communications in Nigeria. Analysts point out around 90% of IS attacks now occur in sub‑Saharan Africa, with the Nigeria‑based branch the most active. Despite the withdrawal, US military personnel stationed in Nigeria before the Lake Chad Basin operation remain in the country. Nigeria faces multiple security challenges, including Islamist militants, banditry, and criminal violence spreading from the north to central and southern regions.
