U.S. Africa Command Withdraws Most Troops Sent to Nigeria for Counterterrorism Operation

The commander of U.S. Africa Command announced Thursday that most U.S. troops sent to Nigeria for a counterterrorism operation have been withdrawn. The deployment began in early February after an agreement between the United States and Nigerian governments. The initial force was described as a small team and later grew to about 200 personnel.

Nigerian military officials stated the U.S. personnel would provide training, intelligence, logistics, and strategic advice rather than direct combat. The forces later joined Nigerian troops in an operation that killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province commander in the northeast.

" The same statement noted that intelligence sharing and other requested support would continue. No exact troop numbers, withdrawal dates, or base locations were provided. Neither the Nigerian military nor the federal government has issued a statement on the withdrawal.