The United States has deployed drones and about 200 troops to Nigeria to assist in tackling rising insecurity, especially threats from extremist groups in the region.

According to officials, the deployment includes advanced MQ-9 drones, which are being used strictly for intelligence gathering. The troops are not involved in direct combat operations on the ground.

The move follows a request from Nigeria, as both countries see the growing militant activities as a shared security concern that requires stronger collaboration and timely intelligence.

A US defence official explained that the mission is focused on surveillance and support, helping Nigerian forces better understand and respond to threats without engaging in airstrikes.

Confirming the development, Major General Samaila Uba said the drones are operating from an airfield in Bauchi, supporting the newly created US-Nigeria intelligence fusion system.

This partnership is expected to improve real-time information sharing, giving Nigerian troops a stronger advantage in ongoing operations while maintaining full control of combat activities.