At least three United States military aircraft reportedly landed in Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, raising fresh indications of deepening security cooperation between both countries.
Findings revealed that the aircraft touched down at military bases in Borno State and other parts of the North-East, with sources at the Defence Headquarters confirming that the flights delivered ammunition and other operational supplies.
Senior military officers disclosed that the delivery was part of ongoing US support to Nigeria in its fight against insurgency and other security threats across the country.
According to one of the officers, the development followed recent bilateral security discussions between Nigeria and the United States.
“Following Nigeria-US bilateral talks on security, the American government will not only deploy soldiers but also provide necessary logistics, including ammunition, to fight the insurgents,” the officer said.
Another high-ranking official explained that such deliveries are not unusual, stressing that the Nigerian military often requires replenishment after major operations.
“We go for operations and use different calibres of ammunition, which need to be replaced. The US and the Nigerian government, under the coordination of the NSA, are working together to end insecurity in the country. So, we should expect more deployments of aircraft and troops,” he said.
Reports also emerged that US aircraft landed in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday night. By Friday evening, three planes were reportedly seen at the base while equipment was being offloaded.
A US Department of Defense official was quoted as saying the flights were the beginning of a steady flow of transport aircraft expected to arrive at key locations in Nigeria in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, social media trackers also reported the arrival of a US Air Force C-130J-30 cargo aircraft at Kaduna International Airport after flying in from Ghana. The movement has sparked speculation that Kaduna may serve as a training and logistics hub for American personnel working with Nigerian forces.
The Director of Defence Media Operations had not issued an official statement on the reports as of the time the story was filed.
US Personnel Deployment Raises Attention
The development comes months after US President Donald Trump, in 2025, warned that America could deploy military forces to Nigeria if the country failed to halt what he described as killings of Christians.
Following the tension, the US later carried out an airstrike targeting Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, and since then, both countries have reportedly strengthened security engagements.
Reports also suggest that the US has begun the deployment of about 200 intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers to support Nigeria’s armed forces in targeted counter-terrorism operations.
Experts Say US Not Bringing Combat Troops
Reacting to the reports, retired Nigerian Army intelligence officer Chris Andrew said the development should not be misunderstood as a direct combat mission.
“They are not bringing combat troops. What they are doing is teaching us how to carry out operations with precision,” he said, adding that the US has advanced capabilities in drone operations and surveillance technology.
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Andrew also claimed there were discussions about the US possibly establishing a drone base in Nigeria, especially after withdrawing from Niger.
Another security expert, Chidi Omeje, described the development as a product of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and urged that any support that strengthens Nigeria’s capacity should be welcomed.
However, he warned that Nigeria must maintain full control over its sovereignty.
“What would not be acceptable is humiliation—foreign troops operating without our consent or bombs being dropped on our territory without approval,” Omeje said.
He added that Nigerians affected by insecurity are mainly interested in results, not politics, and would welcome any partnership that helps restore peace.
