The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over reports of a planned withdrawal of United States troops from Nigeria following the completion of a joint counterterrorism mission, warning that the development could have implications for the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism if not carefully managed.
In a statement issued on Friday, the civil rights advocacy group urged the Federal Government and the nation’s security agencies to take proactive measures to ensure that the departure of foreign military personnel does not create security gaps that could be exploited by terrorist groups operating across different parts of the country.
According to HURIWA, Nigeria has continued to face complex security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in parts of the North-West, kidnapping for ransom and other forms of violent crime that have placed immense pressure on security institutions.
The organisation argued that while Nigeria has made notable progress in degrading the operational capacity of some armed groups through sustained military campaigns, the security situation remains fragile and requires continuous vigilance.
The group noted that international security partnerships have played a supportive role in strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts over the years through intelligence sharing, specialised military training, logistics support and technical assistance.
It said any reduction in such collaboration should be accompanied by adequate domestic measures to ensure that ongoing security operations are not adversely affected.
HURIWA warned that extremist organisations could attempt to exploit any perceived weakening of security coordination during the transition period. It stressed that such groups often seek opportunities to regroup, recruit new members and launch attacks whenever they sense a reduction in operational pressure.
The organisation therefore called on the Federal Government to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance operations and provide security agencies with the resources needed to sustain momentum against insurgents and other criminal networks. It also urged authorities to improve coordination among the military, police, intelligence services and other relevant agencies responsible for national security.
According to the rights group, protecting communities that have previously experienced terrorist attacks should remain a top priority. It urged security commanders to maintain a visible presence in vulnerable areas while enhancing community-based intelligence initiatives that encourage residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
HURIWA further advocated deeper collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners, noting that terrorism has increasingly become a transnational threat requiring coordinated responses across borders. The organisation said regional cooperation in intelligence sharing, border security and joint operations remains essential in preventing the movement of terrorists, weapons and other illicit materials within the West African sub-region.
The group also encouraged the Federal Government to invest more heavily in modern security technology, including surveillance systems, communications equipment and intelligence capabilities that can improve the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations. It argued that strengthening institutional capacity would enable Nigeria to respond more effectively to emerging threats regardless of the level of foreign military support available.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s sovereignty and the responsibility of its security institutions to safeguard the country, HURIWA maintained that strategic international partnerships continue to provide valuable support in addressing evolving security challenges. It therefore urged authorities to preserve existing channels of cooperation with the United States and other allies, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, military training and capacity building.
The warning comes amid reports that the United States is scaling down its troop presence following the conclusion of aspects of its counterterrorism engagement in Nigeria. Although the withdrawal has generated public interest, Nigerian authorities have indicated that broader security cooperation between both countries will continue through non-combat engagements, including training programmes, intelligence collaboration and technical assistance.
Security analysts have consistently argued that sustaining military gains against insurgent groups requires not only kinetic operations but also improved intelligence, better equipment, stronger institutional coordination and increased community participation. They have also emphasised the importance of addressing the underlying socioeconomic conditions that contribute to insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and limited educational opportunities in affected communities.
HURIWA concluded by urging the Federal Government to treat the reported troop withdrawal as an opportunity to further strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous security capabilities. The organisation maintained that sustained investment in personnel, equipment, intelligence infrastructure and strategic partnerships would be critical to preventing any resurgence of terrorist activities and ensuring the continued protection of lives and property across the country.
It added that maintaining pressure on terrorist groups, improving collaboration among security agencies and sustaining cooperation with international partners would remain essential to preserving the gains already recorded in Nigeria’s long-running campaign against terrorism. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
