Three U.S. military aircraft landed in Borno State between Thursday and Friday, delivering ammunition and other military supplies to aid Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
Military sources indicated that the planes arrived at bases in Borno State and other areas in the North East.
Senior officials at the Defence Headquarters stated that this delivery is part of the ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
According to reports, an anonymous officer explained that following recent discussions between the two nations, the U.S. government agreed to provide logistical support, including ammunition, to assist Nigerian troops in their operations against insurgents.
Another senior officer mentioned that the military frequently requires new supplies after operations, noting that this is not the first instance of U.S. ammunition being supplied to Nigeria.
He added that the cooperation is being managed through the Office of the National Security Adviser, with the possibility of more aircraft and personnel arriving in the coming weeks.
The New York Times reported that U.S. military aircraft landed in Maiduguri on Thursday night, and by Friday evening, three planes were observed at the base unloading equipment.
A U.S. Department of Defense official informed the newspaper that these flights mark the beginning of additional transport aircraft expected to arrive at various locations throughout Nigeria.
Social media accounts tracking military aircraft also reported that a U.S. Air Force C-130J-30 cargo plane landed at Kaduna International Airport after departing from Ghana.
This suggests that Kaduna may serve as a training hub for U.S. personnel collaborating with the Nigerian military.
Earlier reports indicated that around 200 U.S. intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers would be deployed to support Nigeria’s armed forces in targeted counterterrorism operations.
This development follows comments made in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the U.S. could intervene if Nigeria did not address the killings of Christians. Since then, security discussions and collaboration between the two countries have intensified.
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Security experts emphasize that the U.S. presence should not be interpreted as a combat takeover. A retired Nigerian Army intelligence officer clarified that the Americans are primarily providing technical support, particularly in advanced drone operations and precision airstrikes.
He noted that such training could enhance Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism effectively.
Another security analyst characterized the cooperation as a diplomatic success for Nigeria, stating that any partnership that bolsters the country’s security capabilities should be welcomed, provided Nigeria retains full control and sovereignty.
As of the time of this report, the Director of Defence Media Operations had not released an official statement regarding the aircraft landings.
