In brief
In a joint operation with Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin, US soldiers and the Nigerian army targeted Islamist militants, killing senior IS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Following the operation the US announced a withdrawal of most troops while continuing intelligence sharing. Nigerian officials say the pullback will not dent momentum in counter-insurgency efforts, amid ongoing banditry and criminal violence that plagues the region.
The United States announced that most of the 200 troops deployed to Nigeria earlier this year to support counter‑insurgency operations will now be withdrawn. The decision comes after a joint campaign with Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin that included strikes on Christmas Day and a subsequent air and ground operation.
The joint effort culminated in the death of senior Islamic State (IS) commander Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, who led the Nigerian branch of the group. US military officials said the operation had "significantly degraded" IS leadership in the country.
Nigerian military spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba told the BBC that the withdrawal would not affect the country’s counter‑insurgency momentum. Intelligence sharing between the two nations will continue, a US commander confirmed in a briefing.
Despite the operation, jihadist attacks persist, especially in north‑eastern Nigeria, where most militant activity is concentrated. The country also faces widespread banditry and criminal violence that has spilled into central and southern regions.
The US mission was not intended to involve ground combat. Instead, it focused on training and intelligence support, as clarified by Commander of US Air Forces in Africa General Dagvin Anderson.
Earlier this year, Washington had accused Nigerian authorities of insufficient security measures for vulnerable groups, alleging a so‑called Christian genocide. The Nigerian government rejected the claim, stating the violence is complex and affects people from all communities, though most victims in the north are Muslims.
Source: BBC News Africa, Reporting by Makuochi Okafor, Lagos - 3 hours ago
