The United States has withdrawn the majority of its approximately 200 troops deployed to Nigeria for a counter-insurgency mission against the Islamic State (IS) group, according to U.S. military officials. The operation, which began in December of last year, has been deemed successful, with IS' leadership in Nigeria significantly degraded.
General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Africa, announced the withdrawal on Thursday, stating that the joint operation disrupted the group's local command structure and global communication networks, thereby limiting its ability to operate. Analysts note a significant shift in IS activities in recent years, with approximately 90% of its attacks now occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, and its Nigeria-based branch being the most active.
Despite the withdrawal of these specific support forces, U.S. military personnel who were stationed in Nigeria prior to the Lake Chad Basin operation remain in the country, according to military spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba. The U.S. had previously emphasized that its deployed forces would not participate in ground combat.
Nigeria is currently grappling with multiple security challenges beyond Islamist militancy. Banditry and widespread criminal violence have also become significant issues, extending from the country's northern regions into central and southern areas.