US military aircraft have delivered ammunition and personnel to northeast Nigeria as Washington deepens security cooperation with Abuja to combat insurgency.
No fewer than three United States military aircraft landed at bases in Borno and other northeastern states between Thursday and Friday, senior Defence Headquarters officers confirmed. The deliveries, reportedly coordinated with the Office of the National Security Adviser, included ammunition to support ongoing counterinsurgency operations. A US Department of Defense official told The New York Times the flights marked “the vanguard” of additional C-17 transport deployments.
The deployment follows renewed security engagement between Nigeria and the United States under President Donald Trump. The newspaper reported that an initial wave of personnel—part of 200 intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers—had arrived to assist targeted counterterrorism operations, with more aircraft expected. Online trackers also cited C-130J-30 and C-17A aircraft movements into Maiduguri and Kaduna.
Security experts said the American presence should not be seen as a combat mission. Retired intelligence officer Chris Andrew stated, “They are not bringing combat troops,” but technical expertise in drones and precision air operations. Analyst Chidi Omeje described the development as a diplomatic gain, adding, “If this partnership helps us stamp out terrorism and violent crime, then it is acceptable,” while stressing the need to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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