By Kamsi Anayo with agency report
The United States has withdrawn most of the troops it deployed to Nigeria for the operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, in the Lake Chad Basin in May.
Dagvin Anderson, commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), announced the withdrawal on Thursday during a press briefing in Luanda, Angola, following the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference.
Anderson said the temporary deployment had achieved its objective, but the US would continue supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing and security cooperation.
He described Nigeria as a capable partner with a strong military and said collaboration between both countries contributed to the successful operation against the ISIS leader.
According to him, the US provided intelligence support and specialised capabilities that complemented Nigeria’s efforts, leading to the joint operation that targeted Al-Minuki, who was responsible for much of ISIS’ global operations, media and recruitment.
He said the operation not only improved security in the Lake Chad Basin but also disrupted the wider ISIS network.
“We have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation but are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the intelligence sharing and the understanding that’s necessary to be able to prosecute these difficult tasks,” Anderson said.
He added that the operation significantly weakened ISIS’ leadership structure in Nigeria and beyond.
Anderson also said Nigerian security forces have remained active since the May operation, intensifying efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them the ability to sustain their activities.
