Most troops withdrawn after boosting Nigeria’s fight against insurgency; smaller team to remain for training and strategic support

The United States has pulled back the bulk of its troops from Nigeria, effectively concluding a significant phase of its counterterrorism support mission in the Lake Chad Basin.

The drawdown was confirmed by General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of the US Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa, who described the deployment as a success in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism and insurgency.

According to Anderson, US forces played a critical support role by providing intelligence sharing, specialised training, and technical assistance to Nigerian security agencies operating in the conflict-prone North-East.

He emphasised that the mission was strictly non-combat, with American personnel working behind the scenes to enhance operational effectiveness rather than engage directly in frontline fighting.

While most troops have now returned to the United States, Anderson noted that a smaller contingent will remain in Nigeria. This team will continue to support ongoing defence cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic military engagement with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The move signals a transition from active deployment to sustained partnership, as Washington recalibrates its security involvement in the region while maintaining support for Nigeria’s long-term counterterrorism efforts.