Military trainers from the US military deployed in Nigeria are employing MQ-9 Reaper drones to conduct surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions, according to Nigerian officials. Operating from an air base in Bauchi state, the personnel are part of a training mission supporting Nigerian forces engaged in counterinsurgency operations against jihadist groups.
The drones, while capable of carrying out strikes, are currently limited to reconnaissance roles, as confirmed by Nigerian military leadership. The deployment follows reports of sustained US drone activity over Nigeria originating from nearby Ghana in the previous year. Both Washington and Abuja have emphasized that US troops are not involved in direct combat operations.
The cooperation comes amid broader US commitments to expand intelligence sharing and arms support for Nigeria, which has been battling insurgent threats since 2009. The development also follows the closure of a major US drone base in neighboring Niger after the country’s leadership ordered American forces to withdraw.
Despite this, US Africa Command has indicated it does not plan to establish a replacement drone base in the region. Meanwhile, the US has conducted targeted strikes against militants from the Islamic State Sahel Province in northwestern Nigeria with Abuja’s approval.
Although political tensions have surfaced—particularly criticism from Donald Trump regarding Nigeria’s handling of violence—both nations continue to strengthen defense cooperation in response to evolving security challenges.
