By Faith Chondol
The United States has withdrawn most of the troops it deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin, marking the end of a months-long mission that supported intelligence, surveillance and operations against terrorist groups in the region.
The Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, announced the development during a press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.
The US had deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February to support intelligence gathering, surveillance and counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS and other extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to Anderson, the operation has been concluded and most of the American personnel involved have returned to Washington, D.C. He, however, stressed that the US would maintain its strategic security partnership with Nigeria through continued intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation.
“The operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped the countries in that immediate region, but it also helps countries globally as it disrupts the ISIS network,” Anderson said.
“We have withdrawn much of our forces that were there for that operation, but we are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help sustain intelligence sharing and the understanding necessary to prosecute these difficult tasks.”
US Commends Nigeria’s Military
The US Air Force commander described Nigeria as a critical regional partner with a capable military, a strong economy and a well-educated population.
He said the intelligence partnership between both countries had delivered significant successes in the fight against ISIS and other terrorist organisations.
“I think the partnership that we’ve shown recently with Nigeria demonstrates that Nigeria is a very capable and large country. It has a strong economy, a large, educated population and a very capable military,” he said.
Anderson noted that lessons from years of US counterterrorism operations had been integrated into Nigeria’s intelligence efforts, contributing to the successful targeting of a senior ISIS commander.
He explained that the collaboration enabled both countries to combine intelligence resources and unique US capabilities to eliminate the terrorist leader responsible for much of ISIS’ global operations, media activities and recruitment.
Joint Operation Eliminated Senior ISIS Leader
The joint security partnership reportedly led to the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’ second-in-command, during an operation at his hideout in Borno State.
The deployment formed part of broader security cooperation between Washington and Abuja aimed at degrading ISIS and other terrorist groups operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.
Anderson said the mission reflected Washington’s evolving approach to supporting African partners by providing specialised capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of local security forces rather than maintaining a prolonged military presence.
“I think, as we go forward, that is an example of how we’re looking at engaging with partners to help them be more effective by only bringing unique US capabilities that allow the partner to succeed in these fights,” he said.
Calls for Greater Regional Intelligence Sharing
The US general also urged African countries to strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms to combat terrorism, organised crime and illicit trafficking across the continent.
He cited a recent multinational operation that led to the interception of a record 31-ton cocaine shipment originating from South America and transiting through the West African coast.
According to him, coordination between US agencies, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), African partners and Spain resulted in the seizure, which he described as the largest maritime drug interdiction on record.
“I coordinated through our interagency in the United States, through AFRICOM, and notified some of our partners. Eventually, a Spanish vessel intercepted the ship carrying 31 tons of cocaine, which turned out to be the largest drug seizure at sea that we’ve ever seen,” Anderson said.
He emphasised that sustained collaboration among African governments, international partners and the private sector remains essential to tackling emerging security threats, disrupting transnational criminal networks and creating an environment that supports economic growth and investment across the continent.
Post Comment