US Withdraws Majority of Troops from Nigeria After Counterterrorism Mission

The United States has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin, while reaffirming its commitment to intelligence sharing and broader security cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

The announcement was made by General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of the US Air Forces in Africa, during a virtual press briefing following the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026. He said the temporary deployment had achieved its operational objectives and demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led partnerships in tackling terrorist threats across the region.

According to Anderson, the operation not only strengthened security in the Lake Chad Basin but also disrupted the wider ISIS (Daesh) network, delivering benefits beyond Nigeria and its neighbouring countries.

“That operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped the countries in that immediate region, but it also helps countries globally because it disrupted the ISIS network,” Anderson said.

He explained that although most of the troops deployed specifically for the operation have now been withdrawn, the US-Nigeria security partnership remains active through intelligence sharing, strategic planning and other specialised support requested by the Nigerian government.

“We have withdrawn much of our forces that were there for that operation, but we are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help sustain the intelligence sharing and understanding necessary to prosecute these difficult tasks,” he added.

The deployment began in February 2026, when the United States sent about 200 military personnel to Nigeria to assist with intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS-linked extremist groups operating across the Lake Chad Basin.

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The move reflected growing security cooperation between both countries as they intensified efforts to counter insurgent activities in Nigeria’s North-East and neighbouring countries affected by cross-border terrorism.

General Anderson described Nigeria as one of the United States’ most important security partners in Africa, citing its capable military, strategic regional role and longstanding collaboration with Washington on counterterrorism initiatives.

He said intelligence cooperation between both countries had produced one of the most significant counterterrorism successes in recent years.

According to the US commander, months of intelligence gathering and operational coordination culminated in a joint operation in May 2026 that killed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described by US and Nigerian officials as the second-highest-ranking leader in the global ISIS network.

Anderson said the extremist leader had overseen ISIS’s global operations, propaganda and recruitment activities, adding that the operation highlighted the value of combining Nigeria’s operational capabilities with specialised American intelligence support.

“The intelligence sharing eventually led to a cooperative effort where we were able to bring unique US capabilities and work with Nigeria to target the number two leader within ISIS or Daesh,” he said.

He noted that the success demonstrated why future US engagement in Africa would increasingly focus on providing specialised intelligence, surveillance, communications and analytical support rather than maintaining long-term troop deployments.

The US commander also urged African countries to deepen intelligence cooperation in tackling terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking, arguing that cross-border security challenges require coordinated regional responses.

As an example, Anderson cited a recent multinational operation that intercepted a record 31-tonne shipment of cocaine travelling from South America along the West African coast.

He explained that intelligence shared among several countries enabled a Spanish naval vessel to intercept the shipment, describing it as the largest maritime drug seizure ever recorded.

Beyond terrorism, Anderson said stronger intelligence cooperation would help African countries combat organised crime, improve regional stability and create conditions that encourage economic growth and foreign investment.

The withdrawal comes months after US forces reportedly conducted precision air strikes on terrorist camps in Bauni Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, targeting extremist fighters linked to ISIS and other armed groups.

Security analysts say those strikes, together with the February deployment and the successful operation against Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, represent a significant expansion of US-Nigeria military cooperation in addressing extremist threats in the region.

Despite the troop withdrawal, US officials stressed that the mission was temporary and operation-specific, with no plans to establish a permanent American military base in Nigeria.

Nigerian authorities have also maintained that all counterterrorism operations remain under the command of the Nigerian Armed Forces, while international partners provide technical expertise, intelligence and logistical assistance.

The Lake Chad Basin, which spans parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, remains one of Africa’s most volatile security zones, with extremist groups continuing to exploit porous borders despite sustained military operations by regional forces.

While recent operations have disrupted several terrorist networks, security experts caution that insurgent groups retain the capacity to regroup and launch fresh attacks, making continued intelligence cooperation essential for long-term regional security.

General Anderson said sustained collaboration among African governments, international allies and private-sector partners would remain critical to countering terrorism, organised crime and other transnational threats while supporting peace, stability and economic development across the continent.

US Withdraws Majority of Troops from Nigeria After Counterterrorism Mission

Court of Appeal to Deliver Judgment Friday in UI-ISI Hijab Case

The Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, will on Friday, July 3, 2026, deliver judgment in the long-running legal dispute over the use of the hijab by Muslim female students of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), bringing to a climax a case that has generated widespread public interest and debate over religious rights in Nigeria’s education sector.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, which said all parties to the appeal had been officially notified by the appellate court that judgment would be delivered at 9:00 a.m.

According to the Islamic rights advocacy group, the appeal centres on whether willing Muslim female students of the International School, University of Ibadan, can wear the hijab in school in line with their constitutional right to freedom of religion.

MURIC described the case as one with significant constitutional implications, noting that it touches on the rights of Muslim students to practise their faith freely, including the use of the hijab, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The organisation commended Muslim parents, members of the Muslim community, legal practitioners and supporters who, it said, had remained patient and law-abiding throughout the years of litigation.

It also called on Muslim faithful, parents of the affected students and other interested members of the public to attend Friday’s court sitting in Ibadan to witness the delivery of what it described as a historic judgment.

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While urging supporters to remain peaceful regardless of the outcome, MURIC stressed the need for respect for the rule of law and judicial processes.

“We respectfully call on all concerned Muslim parents, members of the Ummah and lovers of justice to be present at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, on Friday by 9:00 a.m. to witness the delivery of this historic judgment,” the statement said.

The group further appealed to those attending the proceedings to conduct themselves with decorum and avoid any actions capable of undermining public peace.

Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of religious freedoms, MURIC said it would continue to pursue the rights of Nigerian Muslims through lawful and constitutional means.

The dispute over the use of the hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan, dates back several years after some Muslim students and their parents challenged the school’s policy restricting the wearing of hijabs by female students.

The disagreement eventually resulted in legal proceedings, with the parties seeking judicial interpretation of the constitutional provisions on freedom of religion and the powers of educational institutions to regulate school dress codes.

The case has remained one of the country’s most closely watched legal battles involving the intersection of education, religious freedom and constitutional rights, with the Court of Appeal’s decision expected to clarify the legal position on the use of religious attire in public educational institutions.

The judgment is also expected to have implications beyond the University of Ibadan’s International School, as it could influence future policies and legal disputes involving religious expression in schools across Nigeria.

If the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment on Friday, I can also help produce a fast-breaking news report and a detailed follow-up analysis suitable for print and online publication.

Court of Appeal to Deliver Judgment Friday in UI-ISI Hijab Case

Nigerians Divided Over FG’s Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform With Adire

The Federal Government’s proposal to replace the iconic National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric has sparked widespread debate, with Nigerians expressing both support and criticism over what could become one of the most significant visual changes in the scheme’s 53-year history.

The proposal was unveiled by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he explained that the initiative is part of the broader NYSC reform approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to the minister, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric is aimed at promoting local production, reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, creating jobs, and ensuring that government spending circulates within the domestic economy.

“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have it in Ogun, we have it in Kwara, we have textile industries. Let us put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.

The minister explained that the proposed uniform change aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda of promoting Made-in-Nigeria products and strengthening indigenous industries through increased government patronage.

The proposal forms part of a broader package of NYSC reforms, including extending the orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks, introducing career-focused and entrepreneurship training, deploying corps members based on security risk assessments, improving digital and financial skills, and transitioning the scheme to a civilian-led administration while retaining military participation in orientation and security operations.

Since the announcement, Nigerians have taken to social media to express divergent views on the proposed replacement of the traditional khaki uniform.

Some critics argued that changing the uniform is not among the country’s most pressing priorities, especially at a time when corps members continue to face concerns over welfare, security, accommodation and delayed allowances.

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Reacting on X, @Grabio01 wrote, “Is that the solution to the problem of this country? Una never ready.”

Another user, @NgizweUpdate, said the khaki uniform symbolises discipline and national service and should not be discarded.

“No, I disagree with this change. Khaki has history and discipline. Adire is beautiful but for ceremony, not service. Let’s not lose the meaning,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @BlacSheep01 criticised the proposal, questioning the government’s priorities.

“This country is a joke! What happened to the previous NYSC uniform that warrants the unnecessary change? Why is Nigeria government full of misplaced priorities?” the user posted.

Another X user, @realTonyUche, described the decision as inappropriate for Nigeria’s current realities.

Some commentators also questioned whether Adire, traditionally associated with southwestern Nigeria, should replace a uniform regarded as a national symbol that has represented unity, discipline and patriotism since 1973.

Others suggested that Adire could instead be introduced as ceremonial attire for passing-out parades, cultural events or official occasions while retaining the khaki uniform for daily camp activities.

Despite the criticism, many Nigerians welcomed the proposal, describing it as a bold step toward promoting indigenous industries and reducing dependence on imported materials.

Supporting the initiative, @SollFlame suggested expanding the cultural concept further, writing, “This is a good one. They should add fila and bata too.”

Another supporter, @valentinepaulal said the decision would encourage local production and create economic opportunities.

“For me, this right here is a good initiative. It will encourage local production of the fabric,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @FeranmiOlukare argued that resistance to the proposal reflected an unwillingness to embrace positive reforms.

Another user, @jpremewwcoin described the proposed switch from khaki to Adire as one of the most remarkable reforms in the history of the NYSC, saying it would give corps members a uniform that better reflects Nigerian culture and identity.

Supporters also argued that increased government patronage of locally made fabrics could stimulate Nigeria’s textile value chain, create jobs for artisans and manufacturers, and strengthen industries in states such as Ogun, Osun, Kwara and Ondo, where Adire production is well established.

The Federal Government has maintained that the proposed adoption of Adire is only one aspect of a comprehensive transformation of the NYSC.

According to Olawande, the objective is not merely to change what corps members wear but to reposition the scheme as a platform for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, productivity and national development.

He added that implementation would be gradual, with reforms requiring amendments to the NYSC Act to be forwarded to the National Assembly, while others could be introduced administratively.

Although no timeline has been announced for the introduction of the new uniform, the proposal has already generated one of the most intense public conversations surrounding the future of the NYSC, highlighting the competing expectations of Nigerians regarding national identity, economic development and youth empowerment.

Nigerians Divided Over FG’s Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform With Adire