The United States government has pulled its troops out of a collaborative counterterrorism mission in Nigeria, though it intends to keep providing intelligence support and maintain security partnerships. General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, confirmed the news on Thursday during a briefing held after the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference.
General Anderson explained that while the majority of American military personnel have departed the region following the conclusion of their specific assignment, the US remains dedicated to aiding Nigeria at the government’s request. This assistance focuses primarily on intelligence sharing to combat threats like the Islamic State.
The General noted that the previous operations within the Lake Chad Basin were effective in hindering global ISIS networks. He praised the strength of the Nigerian military and highlighted a past success where joint intelligence efforts facilitated the neutralization of a top-ranking official within the ISIS global hierarchy.