The Nigerian military has confirmed that United States personnel deployed in the country are operating advanced surveillance drones to support ongoing counterterrorism efforts. The deployment is part of a broader partnership focused on strengthening Nigeria’s fight against insurgent groups.
According to military officials, the U.S. team is stationed at an air facility in Bauchi State, where they are training Nigerian forces while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The drones, identified as MQ-9 Reapers, are capable of carrying out strikes but are currently being used strictly for monitoring and data collection.
Nigeria has faced a prolonged insurgency since 2009, and the United States has in recent years expanded its support through intelligence sharing, training, and arms cooperation.
Defence authorities say the collaboration is aimed at improving Nigeria’s ability to independently detect and respond to extremist threats.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the partnership has enhanced operational coordination and boosted the effectiveness of Nigerian-led missions against violent groups.
Both countries have maintained that U.S. personnel are not involved in direct combat operations.
The development follows reports of increased U.S. drone activity in West Africa, including flights previously tracked from neighbouring Ghana. It also comes after Washington scaled back its presence in Niger, where a major drone base was shut down following a directive by the country’s military leadership.
Despite the shift, U.S. Africa Command has indicated it is not seeking to establish a new drone base in the region. Meanwhile, security concerns persist, with militant groups linked to the Islamic State expanding attacks beyond traditional strongholds in northeastern Nigeria into other parts of the country.
About the Author
