US drones, troops touch down in Nigeria amid security push

The United States has deployed around 200 troops and MQ‑9 Reaper drones to Nigeria to assist with intelligence gathering and training.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, told reporters: “This deployment is designed to strengthen our intelligence and operational support capabilities, not to engage in combat operations. Our partnership with the United States will improve the speed and accuracy of information we use to protect our communities.”

A senior US military officer, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, emphasised that the personnel would focus on training, technical support and intelligence analysis. “Our role is to support, advise, and provide situational awareness. We are not engaging in frontline combat,” the officer said.

The troops and drones are said to be stationed at Bauchi Airfield in the northeast, where they are working alongside Nigerian forces at a newly established joint intelligence centre.

Officials said the mission respects Nigeria’s sovereignty while enhancing early warning and response capabilities against insurgent threats.