THE United States (US) is to withdraw about 200 troops deployed to Nigeria as part of its counterterrorism efforts, following what significant gains against Islamist militants in the region.
According to the New York Times report, the Department of War (Defense), otherwise referred to as Pentagon, plans to pull out the troops by late September, marking the winding down of the larger US military deployment to the country.
Recall that the troops were deployed earlier this year to support Nigeria’s fight against Islamist militants and bandits through intelligence, training and other counterterrorism activities.
Although the deployment was relatively small, officials of both countries said it produced significant results, particularly in intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism operations.
The report, however, said the withdrawal would not bring an end to US military cooperation with Nigeria, as small teams of trainers and intelligence analysts were expected to remain in Nigeria after the larger contingent leaves.
American officials also reportedly described the deployment as a model for future US counterterrorism operations in Africa, suggesting that a smaller military footprint combined with intelligence cooperation and support for local forces could be used in similar missions.
An operation in the Lake Chad Basin in May this year killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS.
Last month, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dagvin Anderson, said the US had already pulled back many of its troops from Nigeria following the operation, as it had significantly degraded ISIS’ leadership structure both in Nigeria and globally.
He also said the Nigerian armed forces had remained “very active” since the operation, particularly in efforts to prevent terrorists from sustaining themselves independently, adding that the US would continue its intelligence partnership with Nigeria, despite the troops reduction.
