US Pulls Troop Back From Nigeria After IS Mission Success

Sun Sep 06 2026 20:44:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The US ends its operation in Nigeria, withdrawing most troops after a joint push that killed IS commander Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki.

In July 2026 the United States concluded its Lake Chad Basin operation, retrieving most of its soldiers from Nigeria while claiming a crippling blow to the Islamic State in the country. The effort, launched in December, involved about 200 US soldiers and a series of strikes that killed IS commander Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki. Nigerian officials say the draw‑down does not weaken their momentum and intelligence‑sharing will continue. With rising banditry and other security threats, the US remains a key partner in counter‑terrorism operations.

US troops pull back from Nigeria after IS mission

In July 2026 the United States finished its Lake Chad Basin operation, taking back most of the 200 soldiers it had sent in early December.

The joint campaign began with a strike on Christmas Day and continued with a focused push that killed IS‑Ibrahim’s chief Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki. The U.S. military said the operation had "significantly degraded" IS leadership.

Nigeria’s military spokesperson said the withdrawal would not slow the country’s pace in fighting extremists and that intelligence‑sharing would continue. Both sides highlighted the importance of keeping the network of militants cut off.

While the American presence is reduced, some personnel remain stationed in Nigeria to assist with training and surveillance. Nigerian security forces still face setbacks from banditry and unrest spreading from the north to central areas.

The operation marks a turning point in the fight against Islamist militants in sub‑Saharan Africa and shows the U.S. can coordinate effectively with local forces while keeping ground combat roles limited."