Three US Military Planes Arrive in Nigeria with Troops and Equipment

Three United States military aircraft carrying troops and equipment have reportedly landed in Maiduguri, Borno State, marking the commencement of a joint US-Nigeria advisory mission. According to The New York Times, the first plane arrived on Thursday night, with approximately 100 US troops expected to be deployed over the weekend. By Friday evening, all three aircraft had touched down, and offloading of equipment was underway from one of them.

The C-17 cargo flights are part of a broader airlift operation to transport personnel and supplies to multiple locations across Nigeria, with additional flights scheduled in the coming weeks. Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, clarified that the US forces will not engage in combat operations. They will serve strictly in advisory capacities, while Nigerian troops retain full command and lead all missions.

The deployment follows recommendations from a US-Nigeria joint working group and focuses on advisory support, base security, and operational coordination. US personnel will primarily operate from command centres, assisting Nigerian forces in establishing secure communications and infrastructure.

The mission is aimed at northern states affected by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, as well as parts of the Middle Belt where resource-based clashes between Fulani herders and Christian farmers persist. The initiative builds on earlier cooperation, including US-backed airstrikes against Islamist militants last Christmas and continued training of Nigerian special forces in combat tactics, navigation, and rescue operations.