US withdraws troops from Nigeria after Islamic State mission

July 3, 2026

The United States has completed the withdrawal of approximately 200 troops that were deployed to Nigeria in February 2026 as part of a joint counter-terrorism operation targeting Islamic State militants in the Lake Chad Basin region. The multi-month mission, which included Christmas Day strikes in December 2025, successfully eliminated senior IS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and significantly weakened the group's command structure in Nigeria. Both American and Nigerian military officials have characterized the operation as successful, with intelligence-sharing arrangements continuing despite the troop withdrawal.

Who is affected

The approximately 200 US troops deployed to Nigeria who have now withdrawn
Islamic State militants in Nigeria, particularly their leadership including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki who was killed
Nigerian military forces involved in the joint operation
Communities in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin area affected by ongoing jihadist attacks
Muslims in northern Nigeria who comprise most victims of jihadist violence

What action is being taken

Intelligence-sharing between the US and Nigeria is continuing
US military personnel who were stationed in Nigeria prior to the Lake Chad Basin operation remain in the country
Jihadist groups continue staging attacks in north-eastern Nigeria

Why it matters

This operation is significant because Islamic State has shifted its focus dramatically to sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 90% of its attacks now occur, with the Nigeria-based branch being the most active globally. The mission disrupted both IS's local command structure and its wider global network, limiting the group's communication capabilities. The cooperation also reflects the evolving security relationship between the US and Nigeria amid ongoing debates about the nature and scope of violence against vulnerable communities in the country.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC