The U.S. military has sent an MQ-9 Reaper drone to Nigeria amid rising fears of a new insurgency from the terrorist group Boko Haram, according to defense officials. This deployment follows the arrival of 200 U.S. troops in Nigeria last month, who are there to assist with training and intelligence gathering in response to the ongoing security crisis, especially in the northern regions.
A representative from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) mentioned that the military’s role includes providing intelligence support and advisory assistance to the Nigerian military. Boko Haram and its splinter group, which is linked to the Islamic State and goes by the name Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are among the prominent Islamic extremist factions active in Nigeria.
In addition to these groups, there are others like Laklawa that are affiliated with ISIS, as well as various gangs known for kidnapping and illegal mining activities.
The U.S. MQ-9 drone is stationed at the newly established Bauchi Airfield in northeastern Nigeria, although it remains unclear how many drones have been deployed. This initiative is part of a new security partnership that was emphasized after President Trump highlighted the violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Earlier this month, three devastating suicide bombings occurred in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, resulting in at least 23 deaths and injuring over 100 individuals. While no group immediately took responsibility, many suspect Boko Haram, which initiated its insurgency in northeastern Nigeria back in 2009 with the goal of enforcing sharia law.
The MQ-9 drones, valued at about $30 million each, are primarily intended for intelligence operations and training in Nigeria, despite their potential for airstrikes. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has noted that Boko Haram seeks to overthrow the Nigerian government to establish a regime grounded in Islamic law.
The U.S. State Department designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization in November 2013.
