The United States has deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones to Nigeria, with about 200 troops arriving last month to provide training and intelligence support. The U.S. troops and drones are based at Bauchi Airfield in northeast Nigeria. An AFRICOM spokesperson confirmed the MQ-9 drones will only be used for intelligence-gathering and training in Nigeria, not for airstrikes. The deployment is part of a new security partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria.
This deployment follows U.S. airstrikes against ISIS-linked elements in Nigeria on December 26 (Christmas Day).
Nigeria faces security threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), Lakurawa (IS-linked), ethnic militias, and bandit groups. Three suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri earlier this month killed at least 23 people and wounded 108 others. No group claimed responsibility for the Maiduguri bombings, but suspicion fell on Boko Haram. According to the Global Terrorism Index report by IEP, terrorism deaths in Nigeria increased by 46% to 750 in 2025, making it the fourth-deadliest country globally for terrorism.
Intense fighting occurred at the Nigerian army's Marte base in Borno state, with the Nigerian army regaining control from ISWAP after the clash. The Nigerian army destroyed seven militant trucks and decimated terrorists during the Marte base operation. However, the Nigerian army suffered human and equipment losses in the Marte base operation. ISWAP claimed to have killed seven soldiers and captured eight in the Marte base attack.
The Global Terrorism Index report by IEP highlights broader regional and global terrorism trends, noting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) saw a 28% rise in terrorism deaths to 467 in 2025, driven by the IS-affiliated ADF. The Sahel region accounted for over half of global terrorism deaths in 2025. Terrorism deaths in the West rose 280% to 57 in 2025, with 28 in the U.S., attributed to youth radicalization and lone-wolf actors.
This U.S. military presence in Nigeria follows a shift from Niger, where the U.S. previously operated a major drone base, which was shut down after the ruling military junta expelled U.S. troops.
Analysts say the Nigerian government is not doing enough to protect its citizens.