The United States has announced the withdrawal of most troops deployed in Nigeria earlier this year, marking a conclusion to a joint operation launched against Islamist militant groups in December 2021. This mission, primarily carried out in the Lake Chad Basin region, involved air strikes against militants on Christmas Day and the deployment of approximately 200 soldiers two months later. During this operation, senior Islamic State (IS) leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed. Although jihadist groups continue to stage attacks, particularly in north-eastern Nigeria, both US and Nigerian authorities assert that the withdrawal will not hamper ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. The intelligence-sharing between the two nations will persist, as per statements from both parties. The increased military cooperation between Nigeria and the US is a result of concerns over insufficient protection of vulnerable groups against Islamist militants in Nigeria, with allegations of a "Christian genocide" being denied by Nigerian authorities. Analysts predict that IS has significantly shifted its focus towards sub-Saharan Africa, with around 90% of its attacks now occurring in this region, and the Nigeria-based branch being the most active. General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US Air Forces in Africa, stated that the operation had successfully degraded IS' leadership in Nigeria, disrupting both its local command structure and global network. Despite the withdrawal of most troops, a contingent of US military personnel stationed in Nigeria prior to the operation will remain in the country. Nigeria grapples with multiple security challenges, including Islamist militants, banditry, and criminal violence that have spread from the north into parts of central and southern Nigeria. To stay updated on news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, Facebook at BBC Africa, or Instagram at bbcafrica for more updates.