US troops have withdrawn from Nigeria following a counterterrorism operation, although intelligence sharing and other security cooperation with the country continue.

The deployment started in early February, with about 200 US troops sent to north-east Nigeria to support Nigerian forces. The troops were initially described as a 'small team' by the US, but PREMIUM TIMES later reported that around 200 had been deployed.

Samaila Uba, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, said the US troops were not participating in direct combat operations. Instead, they were providing military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue to address shared security concerns.

However, the troops later engaged in a combat operation in conjunction with Nigerian soldiers, killing a top commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorists in the North-east. The operation focused on the North-east, particularly Borno State, which has been ravaged by Boko Haram.

The withdrawal was announced by Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in a virtual press briefing after the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Luanda, Angola.

Mr Anderson stated, 'We have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation.' He added that the troops 'are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the intelligence sharing and the understanding that’s necessary.'

However, no specific details were provided about the number of troops involved, when they were withdrawn, or where they were stationed in Nigeria.

AFRICOM and the Nigerian military have not issued any statements on the withdrawal.

Mr Anderson praised the partnership between the US and Nigeria, citing the operation against ISWAP as an example of successful cooperation. He said the operation disrupted ISIS activities in the region and affected the group's global network.

The conference brought together military leaders from 35 African countries, US defence officials, and representatives of government agencies and private companies.

Discussions focused on intelligence sharing, innovation, counterterrorism, maritime security, and strengthening the link between security and economic development.

'I think the partnership that we’ve shown recently with Nigeria… eventually led to a cooperative effort where we were able to bring some unique capabilities that the US brings and be able to prosecute together the number two leader within the ISIS or Daesh organisation, who is responsible for much of their global operations, their global media, and their recruiting,' Mr Anderson said.

The US has maintained a presence in Africa for several years, with the aim of strengthening security cooperation and capacity-building efforts on the continent.