The United States has deployed about 200 troops and MQ‑9 Reaper drones to Nigeria to assist in intelligence gathering and training, officials said.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, told reporters that the deployment is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s intelligence and operational support capabilities.
He added, “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, confirmed 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 reportedly stationed at Bauchi Airfield in the northeast, 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.
