The US military has deployed trainers to Nigeria who are using MQ-9 Reaper drones for intelligence and surveillance missions, Nigerian authorities confirmed. Based in Bauchi state, the US personnel are assisting local forces as they confront ongoing jihadist insurgencies.
According to officials, the drones are being used strictly for reconnaissance despite their strike capabilities. The deployment follows earlier tracking of US drone flights over Nigerian territory, reportedly launched from Ghana. Both countries have reiterated that American forces are not participating in combat roles.
This initiative forms part of a broader US effort to support Nigeria through increased intelligence cooperation and defense assistance. It also comes after Washington shut down its drone operations in Niger following a directive from the ruling junta.
US Africa Command has since clarified that it does not intend to establish a new drone base in the region. At the same time, US-backed strikes against Islamic State Sahel Province militants have been conducted with Nigeria’s consent, reflecting deepening operational coordination.
While political disagreements have emerged—including criticism from Donald Trump over security conditions—both nations continue to find common ground in expanding defense ties to address regional instability.
