01 Sep US expands drone training with Nigerian forces

The United States is expanding its security partnership with Nigeria through specialist training on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as both countries strengthen military cooperation and develop capabilities for operations against armed groups.

The latest training took place at Operating Location Bauchi, where US and Nigerian forces are undertaking a series of activities aimed at sharing military expertise, strengthening capabilities and improving interoperability.

US Army personnel provided UAS training to members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment. The session was led by US Army Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, who trained approximately 10 Nigerian personnel.

The training began with around 45 minutes of instruction before moving to hands-on exercises. Murphy introduced the system, explained how it operates and discussed techniques used by US personnel at Bauchi. Following the initial instruction, the Nigerian personnel were able to operate the aircraft themselves.

The training also covered the use of information collected by unmanned aircraft within military operations, highlighting the wider role of UAS beyond the operation of the aircraft itself.

The activity forms part of a broader programme of US-Nigerian military cooperation at Bauchi. Other areas of training have included combat lifesaver and tactical combat casualty care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal and small-unit tactics. AFRICOM said further training opportunities are being developed.

The UAS training also builds on wider US efforts to increase African military familiarity with unmanned systems. During African Lion 26, the US-led multinational exercise held in May across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, more than 20 service members from four countries took part in an inaugural drone academics programme in Morocco focused on small UAS and counter-drone capabilities. Nigeria was among the African countries involved.

The expanding cooperation comes amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. In March, the US deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and approximately 200 American troops to Nigeria, increasing Washington’s intelligence and training role in the country’s fight against Islamist militants.

The latest training therefore forms part of a wider US-Nigeria security relationship encompassing specialised training, intelligence cooperation, operational support and the development of unmanned systems capabilities.