No fewer than three United States military aircraft have landed in northeastern Nigeria, delivering ammunition and other logistics to strengthen the country’s fight against insurgency.
Senior officers at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters disclosed that the aircraft touched down between Thursday and Friday at military bases in Borno State and other parts of the region.
The planes reportedly carried ammunition and operational supplies provided by the United States Department of Defence as part of ongoing security cooperation with Nigeria.
The officers, who spoke separately on condition of anonymity, said the deliveries followed bilateral talks between Nigeria and the United States aimed at boosting counterterrorism operations.
One officer explained that beyond deploying personnel, the American government has committed to providing logistics support, including ammunition, to help Nigerian forces sustain operations against insurgents.
Another senior official described the delivery as routine operational replenishment, noting that the military frequently replaces different calibres of ammunition after field operations.
He added that the collaboration, coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser, would likely lead to more aircraft movements and personnel deployments in the coming months.
The New York Times reported that US military aircraft landed in Maiduguri on Thursday night and that three planes were seen at the airbase by Friday evening with equipment being offloaded.
A US defence official told the newspaper that the flights marked the beginning of what would become a steady stream of C-17 transport missions into several locations across Nigeria.
Online flight trackers also indicated that a US Air Force C-130J-30 transport aircraft landed at Kaduna International Airport after departing from Ghana, prompting speculation that facilities in Kaduna could be used as a training hub for US personnel working alongside the Nigerian military.
The development comes amid deepening military cooperation between both countries.
The administration of Donald Trump had earlier signalled readiness to increase American involvement in Nigeria’s security challenges, and subsequent engagements reportedly paved the way for closer intelligence sharing and operational support.
Reports indicate that about 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers are expected to assist Nigeria’s armed forces in targeted counterterrorism missions, with additional aircraft carrying troops and equipment anticipated in the coming weeks.
A retired officer of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Chris Andrew, said the presence of US personnel should not be mistaken for a combat deployment, explaining that they were bringing technical expertise rather than fighting troops.
He noted that American support was focused on training, drone operations, and precision air capabilities, areas where Western technology remains advanced.
Andrew added that Nigeria’s recent air operations had improved following earlier cooperation with the US and suggested that establishing a drone facility within the country could further enhance surveillance and strike capabilities, particularly after the American withdrawal from Niger.
Security analyst, Chidi Omeje, described the partnership as a product of effective diplomacy, saying Nigeria had successfully turned earlier tensions into constructive engagement.
However, he cautioned that all cooperation must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and operate strictly within agreed terms.
As of the time of filing this report, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, had not responded to inquiries on the aircraft movements.
Observers say the continued flow of logistics and personnel signals stronger US–Nigeria military ties as both countries intensify efforts to curb terrorism, banditry and insurgency in the northeast.
- Media Report