The United States is preparing to withdraw about 200 troops deployed to Nigeria as part of its counterterrorism efforts, according to reports citing US military officials.
The troops were deployed earlier this year to support Nigeria in combating Islamist militants, with the US and Nigerian militaries subsequently carrying out joint counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad region.
American officials described the relatively small deployment as having produced significant results, including a May operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior Islamic State leader and the group's reported second-in-command. Nigeria's Defence Headquarters also confirmed the operation as a joint Nigerian-US effort.
The larger contingent is expected to leave by late September, while smaller teams of trainers and intelligence analysts are expected to remain in Nigeria.
US officials have described the Nigerian deployment as a potential model for future American counterterrorism operations in Africa, based on supporting African-led efforts rather than maintaining a large, permanent US military presence.
However, the withdrawal does not mean the end of US-Nigeria security cooperation. Intelligence sharing and other forms of military cooperation are expected to continue.
The development comes as Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including Islamist insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, despite the gains recorded against militant groups.
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