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DHQ Debunks US Drone Base Relocation Rumours, Confirms Intelligence Collaboration

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 22nd, 2026.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has moved to calm public concerns over reports suggesting that the United States plans to relocate its drone operations from Niger Republic to Nigeria, insisting that no such arrangement exists.

The clarification follows widespread reactions to a recent report by Reuters indicating that the US had deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and about 200 personnel to Nigeria to support counterterrorism efforts. The drones, known for their long endurance and surveillance capabilities, are reportedly being used for intelligence gathering rather than combat missions.

Reacting to the development, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, dismissed speculation about a permanent US drone base in Nigeria, describing it as unfounded. He explained that Nigeria’s engagement with the United States remains strictly within the framework of military cooperation.

“This is not true. Any deployment currently in place is under collaborative arrangements with the Nigerian military,” he said, adding that there has been no formal discussion about relocating a US drone base to Nigerian territory (according to The Guardian).

Earlier reports had quoted the Director of Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, as confirming that US assets were operating from facilities in Bauchi State. He noted that the partnership has strengthened intelligence-sharing mechanisms, particularly through a joint intelligence fusion platform designed to support operations against insurgent groups.

According to Uba, the American personnel are not engaged in direct combat but are instead providing technical expertise, training, and intelligence support to Nigerian forces. “Our partners remain in a non-combat role, enabling Nigerian-led operations through actionable intelligence,” he said, as reported by The PUNCH.

The Defence Headquarters also reiterated that the presence of foreign military personnel in the country is not new, pointing out that similar collaborations have existed over the years as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and insecurity. Officials emphasized that all activities involving foreign partners are conducted with full oversight by Nigerian authorities.

Military sources further clarified that the deployment aligns with earlier confirmations in February 2026, when about 100 US personnel were said to have arrived in Bauchi to support capacity-building initiatives within the armed forces.

Security analysts say the renewed clarification by the Defence Headquarters is aimed at addressing public apprehension and countering misinformation surrounding Nigeria’s defence partnerships, a concern also highlighted in coverage by The Nation and Daily Times newspapers.