08/02/2026
Inside Nigeria-U.S. Deal: Drone Refuelling Base, Expanded Role of American Special Forces
Fresh details have surfaced on the evolving counter-terrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, shedding light on the scope of American involvement. 9ja Eye understands that Washington has proposed the establishment of a drone refuelling facility in Nigeria to support extended aerial operations, without setting up a permanent military base in the country.
Sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that a state in Nigeria’s North-East has been identified for the proposed facility. The refuelling station would allow U.S. drones to provide sustained air support to Nigerian forces during operations against ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating in the region.
Meanwhile, addressing recent reports by AFRICOM about the deployment of a “small team” of U.S. troops to Nigeria, officials explained that American military personnel have maintained a presence in the country for years, primarily for training and intelligence collaboration. However, the mandate of the team has reportedly been expanded in response to worsening security threats.
The U.S. personnel involved are said to be members of the 3rd Special Forces Group, a unit known for expertise in counter-insurgency and unconventional warfare. The group has previously operated in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq and is also believed to have supported U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria during the Christmas period.
