US Deploys Drones, Troops Boost Nigeria Counterterrorism Intelligence Operations
Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The United States deploys surveillance drones and about 200 troops to Nigeria to strengthen intelligence-sharing in the fight against insurgent groups, marking a deepening security partnership between both countries.
US and Nigerian officials on Saturday confirmed the assets—stationed at Bauchi airfield—focus strictly on surveillance and advisory roles, not combat operations.
A US defence official says, “We see this as a shared security threat,” stressing that the mission remains limited to intelligence collection.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters reiterates that American personnel are not embedded with frontline troops. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, says the collaboration builds on a newly created intelligence fusion cell.
“Our US partners remain in a strictly non-combat role, enabling operations led by Nigerian authorities,” Uba says.
He adds that the support improves threat tracking and response. “Our US forces are helping Nigeria identify, track and respond to terrorist threats.”
The deployment comes amid renewed violence across the North-East and North-West, including a March 16 suicide attack linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Uba warns insurgents may attempt high-profile attacks to remain relevant. The duration of the US mission remains under joint review.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 
