The United States has deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and around 200 troops to Nigeria in what officials describe as a non-combat, intelligence-support role, aimed at helping tackle the growing threat of Islamist militancy in the country's north.

The move comes amid a resurgence of attacks by armed groups, raising fresh questions about regional security and the evolving role of foreign partners in West Africa's counterterrorism efforts.

To unpack what this means on the ground and for the wider region,  Abuja-based security analyst, Chidi Omeje, who is also the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Security Digest...