DHQ denies reports of planned US drone base relocation to Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the United States is planning to relocate its drone base from the Niger Republic to Nigeria, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.

The clarification follows a recent report by Reuters, which indicated that the US had deployed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones, along with about 200 personnel, to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations through training and intelligence sharing.

According to the report, the MQ-9 Reaper drones are advanced unmanned aerial systems capable of remaining airborne for over 27 hours, conducting surveillance missions, and, where authorised, carrying out precision strikes.

Reuters further quoted Samaila Uba,  Director of Defence Information, as confirming that US military assets were being operated from Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria’s North-East region.

He noted that the deployment forms part of  intelligence-sharing arrangement between both countries.

“This support builds on the newly established US-Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which continues to deliver actionable intelligence to our field commanders.

“Our US partners remain in a strictly non-combat role, enabling operations led by Nigerian authorities,” Uba said.

The report emphasised that the US troops are not embedded with Nigerian frontline forces and that the drones are primarily engaged in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, rather than offensive strikes.

However, addressing growing speculation that the deployment signals a plan to relocate a US drone base to Nigeria, Michael Onoja,  Director of Defence Media Operations,  firmly refuted the claims.

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“This is not true. All drones, if any, are operating under the auspices of the Nigerian military. Our engagement with US forces is collaborative in nature,” Onoja stated.

He added that there have been no  discussions or agreements regarding the relocation of any US drone base to Nigeria.

“No such discussion is on the table. Nigerians will be duly informed if any such decision is taken,” he said.

The DHQ had earlier confirmed on February 16, 2026, that approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment were deployed to Bauchi State.

The military clarified that the personnel are technical specialists assigned to training, intelligence sharing, and advisory roles, stressing that they are not involved in direct combat operations against insurgent groups.