The deployment expanded an existing US military presence that had been helping Nigerian forces identify potential terrorist targets through intelligence sharing.
The United States is preparing to withdraw about 200 troops deployed to Nigeria to support the fight against Islamist militants, ending a mission that American officials said produced major intelligence and counterterrorism gains but has not stopped deadly attacks across the country.
The troops were deployed to northeastern Nigeria in February after US President Donald Trump criticised Nigeria over attacks on Christians.
The deployment expanded an existing US military presence that had been helping Nigerian forces identify potential terrorist targets through intelligence sharing.
According to a report by The New York Times, the US military operation included joint intelligence work, training and combat support that culminated in a May operation that killed Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described by US officials as a senior Islamic State leader.
US military officials said more than 200 other militants were killed in subsequent airstrikes and ground operations involving US and Nigerian forces. The operations also included the use of MQ-9 Reaper drones and AC-130 gunships, according to the report.
However, the withdrawal comes as terrorist groups continue to carry out attacks in different parts of Nigeria. For instance, gunmen recently killed more than two dozen people, including an imam, in northwestern Nigeria, while at least 25 people were killed in an attack on a village in central Nigeria.
The New York Times report also noted that terrorists launched a major attack on a military base in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday, highlighting the continued security challenges despite months of increased cooperation between the two countries.
US Africa Command spokesperson Col. Becky Heyse described the Nigeria mission as an example of how a limited and temporary American military presence could produce security gains.
“Our recent joint efforts in Nigeria are a prime example of how this tailored, temporary footprint can yield significant security returns,” Heyse said.
The Nigerian military did not respond to requests for comment on the planned withdrawal, according to The New York Times. US military officials said small teams of trainers and intelligence analysts would remain in Nigeria after the larger contingent leaves by late September.
The planned withdrawal follows a period of closer military cooperation between Washington and Abuja. President Trump and President Bola Tinubu exchanged letters in July supporting the security partnership, while a senior Nigerian military delegation met American military officials in Washington on August 13 to discuss shared security priorities.
The US-Nigeria relationship changed significantly late last year after Trump threatened military intervention in Nigeria over what he described as the killing of Christians by terrorist groups.
On Christmas Day, US warships, working with Nigerian intelligence, launched 16 Tomahawk missiles at targets in northwestern Nigeria.
The US military later expanded its cooperation with Nigeria by deploying personnel to assist with intelligence and training. In May, American and Nigerian forces carried out the operation that killed al-Minuki, whom Trump described as a senior Islamic State figure.
Despite those operations, security analysts warned that the withdrawal could give terrorist groups an opportunity to rebuild if Nigeria does not maintain the intelligence and operational capabilities developed during the partnership.
Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security analyst, said recent military operations had recorded successes, particularly in the northeast, where Nigerian forces had carried out targeted operations against Islamic State insurgents.
However, security analyst Kabir Adamu warned that reduced American intelligence support could allow terrorist groups to regroup and rebuild their networks.
The US withdrawal will therefore place greater responsibility on Nigerian security agencies to sustain intelligence gathering, targeted operations and coordination against terrorist groups after the larger American contingent leaves the country.
The remaining US military personnel are expected to continue providing training and intelligence support, while Nigerian forces will take primary responsibility for the long-term campaign against insurgent and terrorist groups.
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