BREAKING: US Set To Withdraw 200 Troops From Nigeria By September

The United States is set to withdraw about 200 military personnel deployed to Nigeria as part of its efforts to support the country’s counterterrorism operations.

According to Ireporter Online, the larger contingent of American troops is expected to leave Nigeria by the end of September 2026, although a smaller number of personnel will remain in the country.

The US military personnel were deployed earlier in the year to assist Nigerian security forces in combating Islamist militant groups. American and Nigerian officials reportedly described the deployment as productive despite the relatively limited size of the US contingent.

Following the planned withdrawal, smaller teams comprising military trainers and intelligence specialists are expected to remain in Nigeria and continue working closely with their Nigerian counterparts.

US officials have reportedly viewed the Nigerian deployment as a potential model for future American security engagements across Africa. The strategy focused on deploying a relatively small number of personnel while placing greater emphasis on training, intelligence sharing and cooperation with local forces.

The decision to reduce the US military presence comes after a major counterterrorism operation in May that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was identified as the second-in-command of ISIS in the Lake Chad Basin.

The operation was conducted with American support and was followed by a reduction in the number of US troops stationed in Nigeria.

Dagvin Anderson, commander of the US Africa Command, had earlier confirmed that the American military presence in Nigeria was scaled back following the May operation. He also noted that Nigerian forces had continued conducting operations against terrorist groups after the reduction.

Despite the planned withdrawal of the larger contingent, the United States is expected to maintain intelligence cooperation with Nigeria, with remaining personnel continuing to support training and information-sharing efforts.