US Withdraws Troops Following Joint Operation in Nigeria
The United States has withdrawn the majority of its troops deployed in Nigeria earlier this year as part of a mission to combat Islamist militant groups.
In December, US and Nigerian forces initiated a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin region, which included air strikes against militants on Christmas Day. Approximately two months later, around 200 US soldiers were deployed to support the mission.
During the months-long operation, senior Islamic State (IS) leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed.
Operation Success and Ongoing Cooperation
On Thursday, US officials declared the operation a success. Nigeria's military spokesperson told the BBC that the withdrawal of US troops would
"not affect our momentum in any way".
Major General Michael Onoja confirmed that intelligence-sharing between Nigeria and the US would continue. This was also affirmed by the US military during its briefing.
Background on US-Nigeria Military Cooperation
Military collaboration between Nigeria and the US increased following Washington's accusations that Nigerian authorities had not adequately protected vulnerable groups from Islamist militants. The US also alleged that a
"Christian genocide"was occurring in Nigeria.
Nigeria has strongly rejected these claims, emphasizing that the violence is complex and affects all communities.
Organizations monitoring political violence in Nigeria report that most victims of jihadist groups are Muslims, as these groups predominantly operate in the northern part of the country, where Islam is the major religion.
Context on Violence and US Deployment
Earlier this year, the US announced it would deploy about 200 troops to assist Nigeria's counter-insurgency efforts, specifying that US forces would not engage in ground combat.
General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US Air Forces in Africa, stated on Thursday that the operation had been successful and that IS leadership in Nigeria had been
"significantly degraded".
IS has evolved in recent years, with approximately 90% of its attacks now occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, according to analysts. The Nigeria-based branch remains the most active.
Anderson added that the joint operation disrupted both the group's local command structure and its wider global network, limiting its communication capabilities.
Current US Military Presence and Nigeria's Security Challenges
Despite the troop withdrawal related to the Lake Chad Basin operation, US military personnel who were stationed in Nigeria prior to this mission remain in the country, Major General Samaila Uba, a military spokesperson, told the BBC.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges. In addition to Islamist militants, the country is affected by banditry and criminal violence, which have spread from northern regions into parts of central and southern Nigeria.
Additional Resources from BBC Africa
- 'We fear for our souls' - Nigerian farmers need armed guards to protect them from jihadists
- Culture and colour come out in praise of a Nigerian king
- Twins marry twins in joyous Nigerian joint wedding
For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com.
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