At least three United States military aircraft were reportedly sighted landing in Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, in what officials describe as part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
The aircraft were said to have arrived at military bases in Borno and other North-East locations. According to The Punch, senior officers at Defence Headquarters disclosed that the planes transported ammunition supplied by the American government to support Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.
Speaking anonymously in separate interviews, the officers linked the development to recent bilateral engagements between both countries on security collaboration.
One officer stated that the United States was expected to provide logistics support, including ammunition, alongside possible troop deployments to aid Nigeria’s fight against insurgents. Another described the delivery as routine operational logistics, noting that ammunition stocks often require replenishment after military operations.
A separate report by The New York Times indicated that US military aircraft landed in Maiduguri on Thursday night, with three planes visible at the base by Friday evening as equipment was offloaded.
A US defence official was quoted as saying the flights were the beginning of a series of C-17 transport operations into three key locations across Nigeria.
Online aviation trackers and counter-terrorism observers also reported aircraft movements, including claims that a US Air Force transport plane landed at Kaduna after departing Ghana, fuelling speculation that the Kaduna depot could serve as a training hub for American personnel working with Nigerian forces.
As of the time of filing this report, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, had not responded to requests for confirmation.
The development follows growing security engagement between both countries since Donald Trump signalled in 2025 that the United States might intervene militarily if Nigeria failed to address attacks on Christian communities. The US later carried out an airstrike targeting Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, further strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
Reports also indicate that about 200 US military personnel are expected to be deployed to Nigeria, with intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers set to assist Nigerian forces in targeted counter-terrorism operations.
Security analysts say the reported deployments should be viewed primarily as technical support rather than combat intervention.
A retired Nigerian Army intelligence officer, Chris Andrew, said the Americans were bringing specialised expertise, particularly in drone operations and precision targeting, rather than frontline troops. He added that Nigeria’s air operations had improved following recent engagements with the United States.
Andrew also suggested that Nigeria could consider hosting a US drone facility, especially after the American withdrawal from neighbouring Niger, arguing that such a move could strengthen surveillance over terrorist strongholds.
Another security expert, Chidi Omeje, described the cooperation as the result of sustained diplomatic engagement, noting that any support that enhances Nigeria’s operational capacity should be welcomed, provided national sovereignty is respected.
He stressed that foreign military activity must remain subject to Nigeria’s approval, adding that communities affected by terrorism are primarily interested in practical solutions that restore safety and stability.