US Withdraws Combat Troops from Nigeria, Maintains Intelligence Partnership
The United States has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin, while reaffirming its commitment to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 disclosure was made by the Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, during a virtual press briefing on Thursday following the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference.
General Anderson said the counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin had achieved its objectives, leading to the redeployment of most American troops who participated in the mission.
He, however, stressed that Washington would continue supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing and other forms of military cooperation requested by Abuja.
«“The operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped the countries in that immediate region, it also helped countries globally by disrupting the ISIS network,” Anderson said.»
He added that although most of the U.S. personnel deployed for the operation had returned home, the partnership with Nigeria would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and support ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
«“We have withdrawn much of our forces that were there for that operation, but we are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help with the intelligence sharing and the understanding that is necessary to prosecute these difficult tasks,” he stated.»
Intelligence partnership yields results
The U.S. Air Force commander described Nigeria as a strategic partner with a capable military, a robust economy and a well-educated population, noting that intelligence collaboration between both countries has significantly strengthened counterterrorism operations.
According to him, the partnership contributed to the successful operation that eliminated the second-in-command of the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh), who oversaw the terrorist group’s global operations, media and recruitment activities.
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He said the achievement underscored the effectiveness of combining Nigeria’s military capabilities with the United States’ advanced intelligence assets to dismantle terrorist networks.
Focus shifts to intelligence support
Anderson explained that future U.S. security engagement across Africa would increasingly prioritise intelligence sharing, specialised capabilities and strategic partnerships rather than prolonged troop deployments.
He urged African countries to strengthen intelligence cooperation in confronting terrorism, organised crime and transnational trafficking networks, describing intelligence exchange as a critical component of regional security.
Record cocaine seizure
Highlighting the impact of international collaboration, Anderson disclosed that intelligence sharing recently led to the interception of a record 31-tonne shipment of cocaine originating from South America and transiting through the West African coast.
He said the operation involved coordinated efforts by U.S. agencies, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and international partners before a Spanish naval vessel intercepted the vessel carrying the illicit cargo.
According to him, the seizure represents the largest maritime drug interdiction on record and demonstrates the importance of sustained cooperation among African nations, international partners and the private sector in combating transnational security threats.
Background
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.
The deployment followed expanded security cooperation between Washington and Abuja amid growing concerns over terrorist activities in the region.
The bilateral partnership has recorded notable successes, including coordinated operations that culminated in the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS, during a joint U.S.-Nigerian operation in Borno State in May 2026.
While the drawdown signals the conclusion of the specific military mission, U.S. officials insist that intelligence cooperation and strategic security collaboration with Nigeria will continue as both countries intensify efforts to counter terrorism and other transnational threats.This version follows a standard hard-news structure, improves readability, removes repetition, strengthens transitions, and preserves attribution while maintaining an objective journalistic tone.
By PRNigeria
