US Withdraws Troops from Nigeria after Islamic State Mission
The United States has withdrawn most of the troops it deployed in Nigeria earlier this year in an effort to help fight Islamist militant groups.
In December, US and Nigerian forces launched a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin area, which involved strikes against militants on Christmas Day, followed by the deployment of about 200 soldiers two months later.
Senior Islamic State (IS) leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed during the months-long mission.
Despite the operations, jihadist groups continue to stage attacks, especially in north-eastern Nigeria.
Joint Operation Declared Successful
The US said the operation had been a success, while Nigeria’s military spokesperson told the BBC the withdrawal of US soldiers would ‘not affect our momentum in any way’.
Terrorism and Security Challenges Remain
Despite the withdrawal, US military personnel stationed in Nigeria before the Lake Chad Basin operation have remained in the country.
Nigeria faces multiple security challenges. Along with Islamist militants, banditry and criminal violence plague the country, having spread from the north into parts of central and southern Nigeria.
