The has deployed MQ-9 drones and about 200 military intelligence personnel to to help train local forces in counterterrorism operations.
The deployment is part of efforts to support Nigeria in tackling armed groups responsible for attacks, kidnappings, and insecurity in parts of the country. has previously claimed that some of these attacks disproportionately target Christians.
According to Nigeria’s military spokesperson, , the U.S. personnel will not directly engage in combat operations. Instead, they will focus on training Nigerian forces and providing strategic guidance on how to respond to terrorist threats.
The MQ-9 drones will primarily be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. They are expected to gather critical information on militant activities, monitor attacks, and support Nigerian forces in planning operations rather than carrying out strikes themselves.
“This support falls under a bilateral cooperation agreement between the United States and Nigeria aimed at knowledge-sharing to strengthen Nigeria’s military capabilities,” Uba said, emphasizing that U.S. troops will act strictly in an advisory capacity.
The move follows earlier U.S. counterterrorism actions in the region. On December 26, 2025, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a group affiliated with in Sokoto State, northern Nigeria, reportedly destroying key militant infrastructure.
Previously, the U.S. operated a major drone base in , valued at around $100 million and hosting about 1,000 troops engaged in counterterrorism missions. However, the base was closed in 2024 after the overthrow of , when the new authorities requested U.S. forces to withdraw.
The latest deployment underscores Washington’s continued reliance on partnership-based security assistance in West Africa, focusing on intelligence-sharing and capacity building rather than direct military engagement.
