US Withdraws Troops from Nigeria After Successful Counter-Terrorism Operation

The US has withdrawn most of the approximately 200 troops it deployed to Nigeria this year, following a months-long joint operation with the Nigerian military in the Lake Chad Basin region. The operation included attacks on militant targets on Christmas Day, resulting in the death of senior ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. US Air Forces Africa Commander General Dagvin Anderson described the operation as successful, stating that ISIS's leadership in Nigeria has been significantly weakened. Nigerian military spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja said the withdrawal of US troops would not create any vulnerability in the fight against terrorism, adding, "It will not affect our momentum in any way." Onoja noted that intelligence sharing between the two countries would continue, which was also confirmed by the US military. The military cooperation between the US and Nigeria strengthened after Washington accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect vulnerable groups from Islamist militants and alleging a "Christian genocide" in the country.