Following a successful joint operation that spanned several months, the United States has withdrawn the majority of its troops deployed in Nigeria earlier this year. This mission, initiated in December 2021, involved US and Nigerian forces conducting strikes against Islamic militants, including the killing of senior IS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. The operation aimed to assist Nigeria in combating Islamist militant groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin area. Despite the withdrawal, intelligence-sharing between the two nations will persist, as acknowledged by both parties. The US military highlighted the significant degradation of IS' leadership in Nigeria as a result of this operation. The group has increasingly shifted its focus to sub-Saharan Africa, with its Nigerian branch being the most active. Although jihadist groups continue to pose threats, particularly in north-eastern Nigeria, Nigeria faces numerous security challenges including banditry and criminal violence that have spread across the country. For more updates on African news, visit BBCAfrica.com and follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, Facebook at BBC Africa, or Instagram at bbcafrica.