The United States has withdrawn most of the military personnel it deployed to support a joint counterterrorism mission in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin, saying the operation has achieved its immediate objective.
The Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, disclosed this during a press briefing at the conclusion of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.
About 200 US troops were deployed to Nigeria in February to assist intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS and other extremist groups in the Lake Chad region. The deployment came as security cooperation between Washington and Abuja intensified.
The mission followed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump, who pledged stronger American support in the fight against terrorism.
During the operation, the United States carried out air strikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025. The partnership later resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, during an operation in Borno State.
Speaking at the conference, Anderson said although the military operation had ended and most American personnel had returned to Washington, cooperation with Nigeria would continue.
“That operation in the Lake Chad Basin not only helped countries in the region, it also disrupted the wider ISIS network. We have withdrawn much of the force that was deployed specifically for that mission, but we are continuing the partnership Nigeria requested, particularly in intelligence sharing and other support needed to sustain counterterrorism operations,” he said.
He described Nigeria as a capable security partner with a strong military, noting that the collaboration between both countries had produced significant gains against ISIS.
According to Anderson, US intelligence support combined with Nigerian military operations led to the successful targeting of one of the world’s most senior ISIS leaders.
“Nigeria has a capable military, a strong economy and an educated population. We brought specialised capabilities developed through years of counterterrorism operations and integrated them with Nigeria’s efforts. That cooperation helped locate and eliminate the organisation’s second-in-command, who oversaw much of ISIS’ global operations, media and recruitment,” he said.
The US commander also called for stronger intelligence sharing among African countries to tackle terrorism, drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
He cited a recent operation that led to the interception of a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine travelling from South America through the West African coast.
According to him, intelligence shared through the US interagency system, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and partner nations enabled a Spanish naval vessel to intercept the shipment.
“The ship was carrying 31 tons of cocaine. It is the largest maritime drug seizure we have ever recorded,” Anderson said.
He added that sustained cooperation between African nations, international partners and the private sector would remain essential to improving security, encouraging investment and promoting long-term stability across the continent.
