US withdrew forces from Nigeria after operation against ISIS, AFRICOM chief says

The United States has largely withdrawn its forces deployed for a recent counter-terrorism operation in Nigeria, shifting to an intelligence support role at the request of the Nigerian government. The joint operation in May targeted Islamic State terrorists in northeastern Nigeria and resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

“

We have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation, but are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the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.

General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), described the May operation as a successful model for future security cooperation in Africa. He highlighted the U.S. approach of providing specialized capabilities while allowing African partners to take the lead in security operations. Anderson stated that while most U.S. forces involved in the specific operation have departed, the partnership continues through intelligence sharing.

“

The operation, in Nigeria's Lake Chad Basin region, demonstrated Washington's approach of providing specialized capabilities while allowing African partners to lead security operations.

AFRICOM reports that the cooperation with Nigeria significantly degraded ISIS leadership, with impacts extending beyond West Africa due to the group's international network. The operation disrupted not only local commanders but also broader Islamic State communications and operations. Anderson noted that Nigeria has remained active in prosecuting targets independently since May, and increased military pressure, combined with publicizing the operation, has encouraged defections among ISIS fighters in northeastern Nigeria.

“

Nigeria has been very active since that operation in May. They continue to prosecute targets themselves.