The United States has deployed MQ-9 drones and about 200 troops to Nigeria to support ongoing efforts against Islamist militants.

According to US and Nigerian officials, the deployment is focused on intelligence gathering, with the drones not authorised to conduct airstrikes.

US officials clarified that the troops are not embedded with Nigerian frontline forces, maintaining a strictly non-combat role.

A US defence official said the move followed a request by Nigeria, describing the situation as a shared security threat.

“We see this as a shared security threat,” the official stated.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the US assets are being operated from an airfield in Bauchi State, supporting operations in the North-East.

“This support builds on the newly established US-Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which continues to deliver actionable intelligence to our field commanders,” he said.

He added that US personnel are providing operational support while Nigerian authorities remain in full control of combat activities.

The development comes after the US shut down its $100 million drone base in Niger Republic in 2024, following an order by the country’s military government for foreign troops to exit.

The renewed collaboration underscores growing international cooperation in tackling terrorism and insurgency in the Sahel and North-East Nigeria.