Nigeria Announces Pullout of About 200 U.S. Soldiers Amid Ongoing Security Crisis

Nigeria announced that the approximately 200 U.S. troops deployed in February are scheduled for withdrawal, though elements of the security collaboration will remain in place. According to military spokesperson Samaila Uba, the American deployment was linked to specific counter-terrorism goals, including training, intelligence sharing and a joint operation that eliminated a senior Islamic State figure. He added that the overall Nigeria-United States relationship continues to be robust and mutually beneficial.

The decision arrives amid a deepening security crisis, with jihadist and criminal groups carrying out attacks across the country and kidnappings reported in the central region. Analysts note that despite the presence of U.S. forces and President Donald Trump's remarks on the situation, conditions on the ground have shown little improvement since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.