No fewer than three United States military aircraft reportedly landed in northeastern Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, delivering ammunition and operational logistics to support the country’s fight against insurgency.
Security sources at the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the aircraft touched down at military bases in Borno and other states in the region, carrying ammunition supplied by the American government as part of ongoing Nigeria–US security cooperation.
Ammunition Supply to Boost Counter-Insurgency Operations in Borno
According to senior military officers, the delivery followed bilateral security talks between Nigeria and the United States aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts.
One senior officer disclosed that beyond troop deployments, the US had committed to providing critical logistics support, including ammunition replenishment for Nigerian military platforms engaged in sustained operations.
“Following Nigeria–US bilateral talks on security, the American government will not only deploy soldiers but also provide necessary logistics, including ammunition, to fight insurgents,” the officer said.
Another high-ranking official explained that such deliveries are part of routine operational logistics, as various calibres of ammunition are expended during combat operations and must be replaced.
He added that the partnership is being coordinated under the Office of the National Security Adviser, with expectations of further aircraft deployments and personnel support in the coming weeks.
US Military Flights Land in Maiduguri and Kaduna
The The New York Times reported that US military aircraft landed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Thursday night. By Friday evening, three aircraft were reportedly sighted at the airbase, with equipment being offloaded.
A US Department of Defense official described the flights as the beginning of a sustained airlift operation involving C-17 transport aircraft into three major locations across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, aviation trackers on X (formerly Twitter) reported that a US Air Force C-130J-30 cargo aircraft arrived at Kaduna International Airport from Accra, Ghana, fuelling speculation that Kaduna could serve as a training hub for US personnel collaborating with the Nigerian military.
Observers described the development as a “massive delivery of equipment” to the Maiduguri Airbase, underscoring what appears to be an expanded US military logistics footprint in northeast Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, had not responded to official inquiries.
US Deploys 200 Military Officers to Nigeria
The renewed engagement follows earlier tensions after US President Donald Trump in 2025 warned that American forces could be sent to Nigeria if the government failed to curb violence described as genocide against Christians.
Nigeria was subsequently designated a Country of Particular Concern, and the US carried out an airstrike against Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State on Christmas Day.
Since then, both countries have intensified diplomatic and military engagements.
According to The New York Times, the deployment marks the first wave of 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers, and military trainers tasked with assisting Nigeria’s armed forces in targeted counterterrorism operations.
Additional aircraft transporting troops and equipment are expected to arrive in phases over the coming weeks.
Experts: US Support Focused on Training, Intelligence, Drone Technology
Security experts have stressed that the US presence should not be interpreted as a full-scale combat deployment.
Retired Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps officer Chris Andrew clarified that the Americans are primarily offering technical expertise, particularly in advanced drone operations and precision air capabilities.
According to him, Nigeria already operates locally manufactured and Chinese-made drones, but US expertise could significantly enhance operational precision.
“They are not bringing combat troops. They are helping us improve precision targeting and advanced drone capabilities,” he explained.
Andrew also revealed that discussions about establishing a US drone base in Nigeria may be underway, especially following the withdrawal of American forces from Niger. He suggested that positioning such a facility near Sambisa Forest could significantly disrupt terrorist activities in the region.
Soft Diplomacy or Strategic Necessity?
Security analyst Chidi Omeje described the development as a success of Nigeria’s soft diplomacy, noting that what began as aggressive rhetoric has evolved into structured security cooperation.
“It would have been humiliating if Nigeria had not engaged properly. I am glad the government turned the tension into partnership and mutual respect,” he said.
However, Omeje cautioned that Nigeria must retain full sovereignty in any bilateral military arrangement.
“What would not be acceptable is foreign troops operating without consent or bombs being dropped without approval,” he warned.
He added that for communities affected by terrorism, banditry and insurgency, the priority remains restoring peace and security, regardless of the method used.
