Lake Chad Basin
Coverage of Lake Chad Basin in the Nexus archive.
- US withdrew forces from Nigeria after operation against ISIS, AFRICOM chief says
The United States has withdrawn most forces deployed for a May operation against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, now providing intelligence support at Nigeria's request. The operation killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and degraded the group's leadership, with AFRICOM highlighting the partnership as a model for African security cooperation.
- US military seeks cultural advisors in Somalia amid regional strikes
The U.S. special operations task force in Somalia is seeking three cultural and political advisors to support missions amid a 75% force reduction in the region over the past decade. Despite the drawdown, the U.S. conducted 124 airstrikes against militants in Somalia in 2025, up from 10 in 2024, while intelligence gaps have worsened due to reduced troop presence.
- ISIS leader killed in Africa as US commander raises force reduction concerns
US forces killed ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation with Nigeria in the Lake Chad Basin. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, head of US Africa Command, testified to Congress about concerns that a 75% force reduction over the past decade has compromised America's ability to counter terrorism threats across Africa's Sahel region.
- How ISWAP and Boko Haram are reshaping the Lake Chad Basin
The Lake Chad Basin is experiencing rising violence and economic hardship due to the influence of ISWAP and Boko Haram. Communities in the region are facing weak governance, exacerbating the situation. The basin's stability is under threat from these extremist groups.