The United States has acknowledged what it described as significant gains by Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, highlighting increased cooperation between the two countries in counterterrorism operations.
The development comes as the United States prepares to withdraw about 200 of its troops deployed to Nigeria, while retaining a smaller contingent of trainers and intelligence analysts to support the country’s security efforts.
According to the report, the larger group of American personnel is expected to leave Nigeria next month following what US and Nigerian officials described as notable results from the joint security efforts.
US to Maintain Intelligence Partnership
The Commander of the US Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, reportedly acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in the fight against terrorist groups.
He pointed to a joint operation conducted by Nigeria and the United States in May, during which Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS in the Lake Chad Basin, was eliminated.
Anderson said Nigeria had remained “very active” since the operation and was working to weaken the ability of terrorist groups to sustain themselves.
Despite the planned troop reduction, the United States is expected to maintain its intelligence partnership with Nigeria.
The American troops and equipment arrived in Nigeria in February following a request by the Nigerian government for assistance with military training, technical support and intelligence sharing.
US officials reportedly described the deployment as a model that could guide future American security operations elsewhere in Africa.
Nigeria-US Security Cooperation Continues
The latest development follows the second meeting of the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group on counterterrorism and security cooperation, held in Washington, DC, from August 12 to 13, 2026.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, while the US side was headed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.
The working group was established amid heightened security concerns and growing cooperation between both countries on counterterrorism.
Tinubu: Security Is Essential to Economic Growth
The US assessment comes as President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that protecting Nigerians remains a central responsibility of his administration.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 34 of the National Defence College in Abuja, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said national security was fundamental to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions.
He said the government would continue providing security agencies with equipment, training, resources and institutional support to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised crime.
Tinubu also stressed that restoring security in troubled communities must be accompanied by economic opportunities.
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“When communities recover security, opportunity must follow,” he said, arguing that stability becomes stronger when citizens can work, trade, learn and build their livelihoods.
The President linked his administration’s security strategy to its wider economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including efforts to attract investment, expand infrastructure and strengthen sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology and the defence industry.
