The United States is preparing to withdraw about 200 military personnel deployed to Nigeria as part of its efforts to support the country’s fight against terrorism.
According to The New York Times, the larger group of American troops is expected to leave Nigeria by the end of September 2026.
The troops were deployed to Nigeria earlier this year to assist Nigerian forces in combating Islamist militant groups.
American and Nigerian officials said the deployment produced useful results despite the relatively small number of personnel involved.
However, the US plans to maintain a smaller military presence in Nigeria after the withdrawal.
The remaining personnel will include military trainers and intelligence specialists who will continue to work with their Nigerian counterparts.
US officials reportedly see the Nigeria deployment as a possible model for future American security operations in Africa.
The approach involved deploying a limited number of troops while depending heavily on training, intelligence sharing and cooperation with local security forces.
The planned withdrawal follows a US-supported operation in May that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was identified as the second-in-command of ISIS in the Lake Chad Basin.
Following the operation, the number of American troops stationed in Nigeria was reduced.
The commander of the US Africa Command, Dagvin Anderson, had earlier confirmed that the US reduced its military presence in Nigeria after the May operation.
He also said Nigerian forces had continued their operations against terrorist groups in the months that followed.
Despite the planned withdrawal, the United States is expected to maintain intelligence cooperation with Nigeria as both countries continue their counterterrorism efforts.
