MAIDUGURI, Nigeria—A series of United States military transport aircraft have landed at bases in northern Nigeria, carrying ammunition and equipment as part of a deepening security partnership between Washington and Abuja.
Local reports and sightings confirmed at least three aircraft, including C-17 and C-130J transport planes, arriving at military facilities in Borno and Kaduna states between Thursday and Friday. Senior Nigerian defense officials stated the shipments are intended to replenish stocks used in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The deployment follows high-level bilateral talks aimed at curbing a decade-long insurgency and rising banditry in the region. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told local media that the US would provide both “logistics and technical support” to help stabilize the country.
A Shift in Policy
The arrival of hardware follows a period of heightened tension. In early 2025, US President Donald Trump warned of intervention if the Nigerian government failed to protect vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, from what he described as targeted violence.
Since then, the relationship appears to have shifted from diplomatic pressure to active military cooperation. The New York Times reported that the current flights are part of an initial wave of support that includes approximately 200 American personnel, primarily intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers.
Intelligence Over Combat
Security experts have been quick to point out that the deployment is focused on technical expertise rather than direct combat. Chris Andrew, a retired Nigerian Army Intelligence officer, noted that the US is likely providing training on advanced drone technology and “precision air capabilities.”
“They are not bringing combat troops,” Mr. Andrew said. “They are teaching us how to carry out operations with precision. Following the exit of US forces from Niger, it was expected that Nigeria would seek to capture that technical opportunity.”
While the Nigerian Director of Defence Media Operations has yet to officially comment on the latest arrivals, the presence of the aircraft at the Maiduguri and Kaduna airbases signals a significant escalation in Western involvement in West Africa’s security landscape.
For many Nigerians living in the conflict-hit northeast, the method of intervention is less important than the result. “People at the receiving end just want their lives back,” said security analyst Chidi Omeje, describing the partnership as a result of “soft diplomacy.”
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