The United States military has deployed advanced surveillance drones in Nigeria as part of a growing security partnership aimed at combating insurgency, Nigerian military officials confirmed.
According to Samaila Uba, the drones are being operated by US trainers stationed at an air base in Bauchi State. The deployment is focused on training Nigerian forces while enhancing intelligence gathering capabilities in the fight against extremist groups.
The drones in use are the MQ 9 Reaper, known for their high altitude surveillance and precision capabilities. While the drones are capable of carrying out strikes, Nigerian authorities emphasized that they are currently being used strictly for reconnaissance and intelligence purposes.
The initiative is part of broader cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, which has pledged increased intelligence sharing and military support. The partnership is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to independently detect, monitor, and disrupt terrorist activities that have plagued parts of the country since 2009.
The US troops involved in the mission are not engaged in combat operations. Instead, their role is limited to training and technical support, reinforcing Nigeria’s own military efforts against insurgent groups.
This development follows earlier reports of US drone activity over West Africa, including operations previously launched from bases in neighboring countries. However, US officials have indicated that there are no plans to elish a permanent drone base in Nigeria.
The renewed collaboration comes amid ongoing security challenges, including s by extremist factions linked to the Islamic State in parts of northern Nigeria. Both countries continue to deepen defense ties despite differing views on the nature of the conflict.
Nigeria has consistently maintained that the violence affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines, while reaffirming its commitment to working with international partners to restore peace and ility.
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