US Deploys Armed Drones And 200 Troops To Nigeria

[Awwal]

The United States has deployed armed drones and about 200 military personnel to Nigeria to support the fight against terrorism in the northern region. According to a report by Reuters, this deployment was done at the request of Nigerian authorities to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen security operations against terrorist groups.

The report explained that the U.S. military sent multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and around 200 troops to Nigeria to assist the Nigerian military with training and intelligence support. Officials from both countries confirmed that the American troops are not involved in direct combat or drone strikes but are only providing surveillance and advisory support to Nigerian forces.

A U.S. defence official described the mission as a joint security effort between both countries. The official said the operation is focused on intelligence gathering and helping Nigeria identify and monitor terrorist threats. This shows that the United States sees terrorism in Nigeria as a shared security challenge that requires cooperation.

Nigeria's Defence Headquarters also confirmed the presence of American military personnel in the country. The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the U.S. troops are operating from an airfield in Bauchi State and are working in a strictly non-combat role while supporting Nigerian-led operations with useful intelligence.

The MQ-9 Reaper drones used in the mission can fly for more than 27 hours at high altitude and are capable of surveillance and precision strikes. However, Nigerian authorities stressed that the drones in Nigeria are only being used to monitor terrorist activities and provide information to military commanders to improve operations against groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

This development comes as terrorist attacks continue in northern Nigeria, including recent suicide bombings and attacks on military locations. Military authorities said the U.S. deployment will continue based on agreement between both countries, as they work together to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve Nigeria's ability to fight terrorism and protect citizens.



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