The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed profound concern over the decision by the United States to withdraw most of its military personnel from the joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria, warning that unless the Federal Government urgently fills the resulting security gap, terrorist groups could seize the opportunity to regroup, rearm and intensify attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly Christian populations that have repeatedly borne the brunt of insurgent violence.

The association said the recent position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, together with the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, reflects the painful reality confronting millions of Nigerians. HURIWA agreed with the church leaders that claims suggesting the killing of Christians has ended do not correspond with developments across several parts of the country where communities continue to endure deadly attacks, kidnappings, displacement and the destruction of homes, churches and livelihoods.

HURIWA noted that while recent international counterterrorism operations may have disrupted some terrorist cells and eliminated certain commanders, those tactical gains have not translated into lasting safety for ordinary Nigerians. According to the association, armed groups continue to demonstrate the capacity to launch attacks on rural communities, highways and places of worship, leaving many citizens living in constant fear.

The association said the announcement by the Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, that most American forces deployed for the operation have now been withdrawn should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian authorities rather than an opportunity for complacency. Although the continuation of intelligence sharing remains valuable, HURIWA stressed that intelligence is only effective when matched by rapid deployment, sustained military pressure and effective civilian protection.

HURIWA warned that history has shown terrorist organisations often attempt to exploit periods of reduced military pressure to reorganise their command structures, recruit new fighters and expand their operational reach. The association said Nigeria cannot afford such a scenario at a time when many communities remain exposed and security challenges persist across several regions.

The rights group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately strengthen military deployments in vulnerable areas, improve intelligence-led operations, enhance aerial surveillance and ensure that security agencies maintain relentless pressure on terrorist networks to prevent any resurgence of violence.

HURIWA also urged the international community, particularly the United States, not to interpret the withdrawal of operational troops as the completion of the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. It argued that continued intelligence cooperation, logistical assistance, specialised training, technological support and diplomatic engagement remain indispensable to degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting civilian populations.

The association further called on security agencies to pay special attention to communities that have suffered repeated attacks over the years, insisting that every Nigerian—regardless of faith, ethnicity or location—deserves equal protection under the Constitution. It warned that any failure to sustain pressure on violent extremist groups risks reversing the gains already made in the fight against insurgency.

HURIWA reaffirmed that protecting lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government and urged Nigerian authorities to demonstrate greater urgency, coordination and accountability in confronting terrorism. The association said the country stands at a critical moment where decisive action could consolidate recent security gains, while complacency could allow violent groups to recover and inflict further suffering on innocent citizens.

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