By Chioma Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the withdrawal of most United States troops from joint counterterrorism operations in Nigeria, warning that the move could create a security vacuum for terrorist groups to regroup and launch fresh attacks.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said the development should not be interpreted as a sign that the war against insurgency has been won. Instead, it urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to prevent extremist groups from exploiting the situation.
HURIWA warned that unless Nigerian security agencies quickly fill the operational gap left by the departing U.S. forces, terrorist groups could reorganise, rearm and intensify attacks, particularly against vulnerable communities.
“The withdrawal of U.S. troops could embolden terrorist groups to regroup, rearm and intensify attacks on vulnerable communities,” the organisation stated.
The group said it shares the concerns recently raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as other church leaders, arguing that claims suggesting attacks on Christians have ended do not reflect realities on the ground.
According to HURIWA, many communities across Nigeria continue to experience killings, kidnappings, displacement and destruction of homes, churches and livelihoods despite ongoing military operations
.
The organisation noted that although international counterterrorism efforts have disrupted some insurgent networks and eliminated certain commanders, such successes have yet to guarantee lasting security for ordinary Nigerians.
“Armed groups still retain the capacity to attack rural communities, highways and places of worship, leaving millions of citizens living in fear,” the statement added.
HURIWA referenced the announcement by General Dagvin R. M. Anderson confirming that most American troops involved in the operations had been withdrawn, describing the development as a wake-up call for Nigerian authorities.
The association stressed that intelligence sharing alone would not be sufficient without sustained military offensives, rapid deployment of security personnel and stronger measures to protect civilians.
“History has shown that terrorist organisations often exploit periods of reduced military pressure to reorganise, recruit and expand their operations. Nigeria cannot afford such a scenario at this critical time,” it warned.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to reinforce military presence in vulnerable areas, strengthen intelligence-led operations, expand aerial surveillance and sustain pressure on insurgent groups.
It also urged the international community, particularly the United States, to continue supporting Nigeria through intelligence cooperation, logistics, specialised training and advanced technology, despite the troop withdrawal.
HURIWA further appealed to security agencies to prioritise the protection of communities repeatedly targeted by terrorists, insisting that all Nigerians deserve equal protection regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“The protection of lives remains the foremost duty of government. This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s security architecture. Decisive action now could preserve recent gains, while complacency may lead to renewed bloodshed,” the group stated.
