The Pentagon is preparing to withdraw about 200 American troops deployed to Nigeria earlier this year to support the fight against Islamist militants, ending a limited mission that Washington says delivered key security gains but failed to eliminate the wider terrorist threat
The withdrawal, expected by late September, comes after months of joint operations between U.S. and Nigerian forces, including intelligence-sharing missions, special forces training and counterterrorism operations targeting extremist groups in the country.
U.S. officials described the deployment as a potential model for future military partnerships in Africa, arguing that the relatively small force achieved significant results, including the k!lling of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, a top Islamic State figure, during a joint U.S.-Nigerian raid in May.
Despite those successes, militant attacks have continued across Nigeria, with armed groups carrying out deadly assaults in recent weeks. Security analysts say terrorists remain a major threat, particularly in parts of northern and central Nigeria.
The troops were deployed to northeastern Nigeria in February after U.S. President Donald Trump criticised Nigeria’s handling of terrorist violence, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities.
The Nigerian government has not publicly commented on the planned withdrawal.
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NICEY