US Drones Deployed in Nigeria for Counterterrorism

0:00On March 21st, U.S. military trainers have deployed to Nigeria with high-powered reaper drones for surveillance and intelligence work. They're operating from an airbase in Bouchie State as part of a 200-person team aimed at training Nigerian forces against Jihadist militants, who've played the country since 2009. This set of built-on drone flights the U.S. ran from nearby Ghana last year. The drones can carry out strikes, but are sticking to reconnaissance only, according to both sides. Washington is also stepping up intelligence-sharing and arm sales to bolster Nigeria's fight. Nigerian leaders say the partnership sharpens their ability to spot, track, and stop terrorists on their own. A joint intelligence cell brings U.S. and Nigerian personnel together to fuse data from various sources, boosting coordination without putting Americans. In combat roles, the move follows the shutdown of a major U.S. drone base in neighboring Niger after that country's HUNTA kicked out American forces. Late last year, the U.S. launched strikes on militants in Nigeria's northwest, with

1:04Aboujia's approval, even as tensions simmered over Washington's, criticisms of local violence. Now, both nations are finding common ground through deeper defense ties, helping Nigeria lead its own counterinsurgency efforts more effectively.