By AFP
The Nigerian military has confirmed that United States troops deployed in the country are operating high-powered MQ-9 “Reaper” drones to support surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions in the fight against insurgency.
According to officials, the US personnel are stationed at an air base in Bauchi State, where they are training Nigerian forces battling jihadist groups. The deployment forms part of broader military cooperation between both countries, including increased intelligence sharing and planned arms support.
A Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Samaila Uba, said the drones—while capable of carrying out strikes—are strictly being used for reconnaissance purposes.
“US support is designed to enhance Nigeria’s ability to independently detect, track and disrupt terrorist activity,” Uba said.
“This partnership has improved intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and the overall effectiveness of Nigerian-led efforts against violent extremist organizations.”
The disclosure follows reports by researchers who tracked months of US drone flights over Nigeria, with some operations previously originating from bases in neighbouring Ghana.
Both Abuja and Washington have emphasised that US troops are not engaged in direct combat roles but are instead focused on training and technical support.
The development comes amid shifting US military posture in West Africa. Washington had previously operated a major drone base in neighbouring Niger but withdrew its forces after the country’s military government ordered their departure.
Despite speculation, US Africa Command has ruled out plans to establish a new drone base in the region. Lieutenant General John Brennan earlier stated:
“We’re not in the market to create a drone base anywhere.”
Security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has intensified as militant groups expand operations beyond traditional strongholds in the northeast into the northwest and other regions.
Late last year, US forces carried out strikes targeting fighters linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province in Nigeria’s northwest, with the approval of the Nigerian government.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has criticised Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, alleging that the violence amounts to the “persecution” of Christians—an assertion disputed by analysts who maintain that attacks cut across religious lines.
Despite differences in framing the conflict, both countries continue to deepen defence ties in a bid to counter growing extremist threats across the region.
