Why US withdrew troops from Nigeria – Military spokesman, Uba
Nigerian Military Explains U.S. Troop Withdrawal
The Nigerian military has provided details regarding the upcoming withdrawal of American troops from the country. Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, explained that the deployment of 200 U.S. soldiers was linked to counterterrorism operations and overall security initiatives.
Uba noted that the decision to withdraw personnel reflects the evolving nature of U.S. engagement in Nigeria. Although the main body of troops is set to depart by late September, he indicated that a smaller advisory and intelligence team will remain to support ongoing efforts.
The deployment, which began in early 2026, focused on assisting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. Uba emphasized that intelligence cooperation, training, and information sharing between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States will persist even after the troop withdrawal.
In his remarks, Uba affirmed the Nigerian military’s responsibility for national defense, stating that the protection of citizens is primarily the duty of Nigeria’s security forces. He highlighted that the partnership with the U.S. has significantly enhanced capabilities in combating terrorism and other transnational security threats.
“This decision is part of the evolving nature of that engagement,” Uba said, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing security challenges.
