US Deploys Drones to Nigeria, DHQ Dismisses Relocation Claims

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria has addressed concerns regarding the alleged relocation of a US drone base to Nigeria, labeling such claims as speculative and untrue. This statement comes after reports from Reuters indicated that the US is deploying multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and 200 military personnel to Nigeria to provide training and intelligence support to the Nigerian military in its fight against terrorism.

Maj Gen Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information at DHQ, confirmed the operation of US assets at the Bauchi airfield in the northeast, which is part of the establishment of a new intelligence fusion cell. He emphasized that the US personnel are in a strictly non-combat role, focusing on intelligence gathering rather than direct combat operations.

Maj Gen Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, reiterated that there is no evidence supporting claims of a drone base relocation and stated that discussions regarding such matters would be communicated to the public when necessary.