The United States has deployed surveillance drones and about 200 troops to Nigeria to support the fight against terrorist groups in the country.
According to reports, the US is sending MQ-9 drones mainly for intelligence gathering, not for airstrikes. The troops are also not fighting on the frontlines but are providing support.
A US defence official explained that the move was made at Nigeria’s request, as both countries see terrorism as a shared threat.
Speaking on the development, Samaila Uba confirmed that the drones and US personnel are operating from an airfield in Bauchi State.
He said the partnership is helping Nigerian forces with useful intelligence to improve their operations against insurgents.
Uba added that US personnel are strictly playing a non-combat role, while Nigerian troops remain in charge of all military actions.
It will be recalled that the US previously operated a major drone base in Niger Republic, but shut it down in 2024 after the country’s military government asked US forces to leave.
The new deployment is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, especially in the North-East region.
Post a Comment