The United States is preparing to withdraw approximately 200 military personnel deployed to Nigeria as part of counterterrorism operations, following what American officials described as significant progress against Islamist militant groups.
According to reports, the Pentagon plans to complete the withdrawal of the larger troop contingent by late September, bringing an end to the main phase of the recent US military deployment to Nigeria.
The American personnel were deployed earlier in the year to support Nigerian security forces through intelligence sharing, training and other counterterrorism activities aimed at tackling militant threats.
Although the deployment involved a relatively small number of troops, US and Nigerian officials reportedly said it produced important results, particularly in intelligence gathering, information sharing and support for counterterrorism operations.
The planned withdrawal is not expected to end military cooperation between the two countries. Small teams of US military trainers and intelligence analysts are expected to remain in Nigeria after the larger contingent departs.
American officials have also reportedly described the operation as a possible model for future counterterrorism missions across Africa. The approach focuses on maintaining a smaller military presence while strengthening intelligence cooperation and supporting local security forces.
The withdrawal follows a counterterrorism operation carried out in the Lake Chad Basin in May, which reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as a senior ISIS commander.
The commander of the US Africa Command, AFRICOM, Dagvin Anderson, had earlier stated that the United States had already reduced the number of troops deployed to Nigeria following the operation.
According to Anderson, the May operation significantly weakened ISIS’ leadership structure in Nigeria and beyond. He added that Nigerian authorities had remained active in preventing terrorist groups from rebuilding their operational and financial capabilities.
Despite the planned reduction in personnel, the United States is expected to maintain intelligence cooperation and other forms of security support for Nigeria.
The development comes amid ongoing security engagement between Abuja and Washington, particularly on counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by violence.
It also follows recent discussions between Nigerian and US officials under a joint working group focused on security concerns and the protection of Christian communities in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The planned withdrawal marks a shift in the scale of the US military presence in Nigeria but does not signal an end to security cooperation between both countries. The continued involvement of intelligence and training personnel suggests that Washington intends to maintain its partnership with Nigeria while relying more heavily on local forces to lead counterterrorism operations.
