US deploys drones, 200 additional troops to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism fight

The United States has deployed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones alongside about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in a move aimed at strengthening intelligence and training support for the country’s fight against insurgency.

According to a report by Reuters, officials from both countries confirmed that the deployment is strictly limited to surveillance and advisory roles, with no involvement of American troops in direct combat operations or drone strikes.

A U.S. defence official described the initiative as a joint effort to address shared security concerns, noting that the mission focuses on intelligence gathering and operational support.

“We see this as a shared security threat,” the official said.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters also confirmed the presence of U.S. personnel, revealing that the troops are operating from an airfield in Bauchi State.

The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the deployment is part of a broader collaboration between both countries to enhance counterterrorism operations.

“This support builds on the newly established U.S.-Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which continues to deliver actionable intelligence to our field commanders,” he stated, adding that American forces remain in a strictly non-combat role.

The MQ-9 Reaper drones, known for their long endurance and high-altitude surveillance capabilities, are being used solely for intelligence gathering in Nigeria, officials said.

“Our U.S. partners are helping Nigeria identify, track, and respond to terrorist threats,” Uba added.

The development comes amid renewed attacks in the country’s northern region, particularly by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Military authorities noted that the duration of the U.S. deployment would be determined jointly by both nations, stressing that the partnership reflects a growing emphasis on intelligence sharing and capacity building.

The report also indicated that the deployment follows earlier security collaborations between Nigeria and the U.S., including past counterterrorism operations targeting insurgent networks.

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