American soldiers deployed to Nigeria for a training operation are using advanced drones to provide surveillance and intelligence to Nigerian forces. 

“US support is designed to enhance Nigeria’s ability to independently detect, track and disrupt terrorist activity,” Nigerian Major General Samaila Uba told AFP. “This partnership has improved intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and the overall effectiveness of Nigerian-led efforts against violent extremist organizations.”

In February, 200 US troops deployed to Nigeria to assist the government in combating Islamic terrorism. Washington said the soldiers would be involved in intelligence, training, and advisement but would be limited to non-combat operations. At the time, Uba said the Nigerian forces would make all decisions. 

The troops are operating the Reaper drones from an air base in Bauchi state. While the drones are capable of strikes, Uba told AFP the mission was limited to surveillance. 

President Donald Trump sent the soldiers to Nigeria over claims of a Christian genocide. While there is significant violence in Nigeria conducted by jihadists and non-state actors, analysis shows that Christians are not uniquely victims of the violence. 

On Christmas Day, the US launched a salvo of Tomahawk missiles at suspected jihadists in Nigeria. Africa Command said the attack, launched by a US warship in the Gulf of Guinea, killed ISIS-linked militants in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State, but the deaths have never been confirmed.

Several of the Tomahawk missiles fired into Nigeria fell short and landed on two villages far from the intended target. No civilians were killed, but in one of the villages, several homes were destroyed.