The United States has confirmed the withdrawal of most troops deployed to Nigeria for a special operation against Islamic State (IS) fighters. General Dagvin Anderson of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced this on Thursday during a conference attended by African defense chiefs in Luanda, Angola. Despite the withdrawal, the US will continue intelligence sharing with Nigerian forces.
US Military Actions in Nigeria
In May, US and Nigerian troops collaborated in an operation that resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 IS fighters in the Lake Chad region. Among those killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was identified as the jihadi group's global second-in-command. According to Nigerian Defense Minister Christopher Musa, US combat troops were deployed specifically for this operation, which also aimed to disrupt IS communications and operations.
General Anderson noted that the Nigerian military has remained active in prosecuting targets since the operation, stating, "They continue to prosecute targets themselves." This engagement reflects the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian forces to combat the insurgency.
Counterterrorism Efforts in Nigeria
Nigeria has faced an Islamist extremist insurgency in the northeast since 2009, initially led by Boko Haram and later by its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The situation has worsened, with increased attacks on villages, police stations, and military bases, resulting in numerous casualties, including senior army officers.
