The United States has withdrawn most of its troops involved in a joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria's Lake Chad Basin, as announced by General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, during a press briefing following the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, urged senior military officers to move beyond traditional combat operations and adopt strategic thinking to address modern global security challenges. His comments were made during the conclusion of a five-day Strategic Exercise (STRATEX 26) this week.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday, just two weeks before the NATO summit. This visit comes as the Pentagon is assessing the U.S. military presence in Europe, amid Trump's ongoing criticisms of NATO and claims that the U.S. bears a disproportionate share of military spending.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has credited the recent operational successes of the Nigerian Army to various factors, although specific details were not provided in the report. This statement highlights the ongoing efforts and achievements of the military in their operations.

In 2026, reports have emerged regarding third-country migrant deportations from the United States to African nations, primarily highlighted by journalists and NGOs. On April 18, a group of 15 individuals from South America arrived in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after being deported from the US, with their destination revealed only a day prior to their departure.

The United States has withdrawn its troops from Nigeria following a successful joint operation against the Islamic State that began in December of the previous year, according to Upland Media.