American forces stationed in Nigeria are utilizing 'Reaper' unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance purposes, according to the country's armed forces.

US military personnel stationed in Nigeria have begun utilizing advanced drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering purposes, according to information provided by the Nigerian military to AFP on Saturday.

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The deployment of these troops, who are operating the drones from a base in Bauchi state, is part of a broader effort by the United States to provide training to their Nigerian counterparts, who are engaged in combat against jihadist militants.

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As part of its commitment to supporting Nigeria, Washington has pledged to increase intelligence sharing and arms sales, as the country continues to grapple with an insurgency that began in 2009.

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The employment of MQ-9 “Reaper” drones follows the discovery by researchers of US drone flights over Nigeria, which originated from Ghana, over the course of several months last year.

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Although the drones are capable of conducting strikes, they are currently being used solely for reconnaissance purposes, as stated by Nigerian Major General Samaila Uba.

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According to Uba, who serves as the director of defence information at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, the objective of US support is to enhance Nigeria’s ability to detect, track, and disrupt terrorist activity independently.

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Uba also noted that the partnership between the two countries has resulted in improved intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and overall effectiveness of Nigerian-led efforts to combat violent extremist organizations.

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The US troops currently deployed in Nigeria are not engaged in combat roles, as confirmed by both countries.

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US Africa Command did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment on the matter.

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Prior to this, Washington had operated a major drone base in neighbouring Niger, which was subsequently closed after the ruling junta ordered US forces to depart the country.

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Africom Lieutenant General John Brennan previously stated that “we’re not in the market to create a drone base anywhere” when questioned about potential plans to replace the Niger operations.

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Late last year, the United States conducted strikes targeting militants from the Islamic State Sahel Province in Nigeria’s northwest, an operation that had the approval of the Nigerian government.

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These strikes were carried out amidst pressure from Washington, with US President Donald Trump having criticized the Nigerian government for its failure to stop violence in the country.

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Trump has claimed that the violence in Nigeria amounts to the “persecution” of Christians, a view that has been rejected by many analysts, who argue that the violence affects members of all faiths.

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Nigeria has pushed back against this framing, but has found common ground with Washington in increasing defence cooperation.