Overview
- On July 3, AFRICOM commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson said most U.S. troops deployed for a spring operation in northeastern Nigeria have been withdrawn while intelligence sharing continues at Abuja’s request.
- In May, U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out a joint Lake Chad Basin operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom AFRICOM described as ISIS’s number two responsible for media and recruiting.
- AFRICOM framed the mission as an example of a U.S. approach to provide specialised capabilities—such as intelligence, strike support and logistics—while African partners retain the lead on ground operations.
- Officials have not disclosed exact troop numbers, withdrawal dates or base locations, though local reporting earlier this year suggested roughly 200 U.S. personnel had been sent to the northeast.
- Nigerian forces are continuing to prosecute targets and AFRICOM says the operation disrupted ISIS communications and prompted defections, a development that could ease local pressure but leaves questions about long-term transparency and capacity building.