United States military aircraft have reportedly delivered ammunition and other logistics to Nigerian forces in the North-East as part of growing security cooperation between both countries in the fight against insurgency.
Findings revealed that no fewer than three US aircraft arrived in Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, landing at military installations in Borno State and neighbouring areas affected by insurgent activities.
Senior Defence Headquarters officials, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the operation, said the consignments formed part of military assistance provided by the United States government to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
According to one of the officers, the development followed recent bilateral engagements between Nigeria and the US on security collaboration, which included agreements on logistics support and operational assistance.
Another senior military source explained that the delivery was primarily meant to replenish ammunition stocks depleted during recent operations, noting that such resupply missions were essential for sustaining frontline military activities.
He added that further deployments of aircraft and personnel could be expected as cooperation between both countries expands under the coordination of the National Security Adviser.
International media reports indicated that US military transport planes landed at the Maiduguri Airbase on Thursday night, with additional aircraft seen at the facility the following day while equipment was being offloaded.
A United States Department of Defense official reportedly described the flights as the first phase of multiple transport missions expected to arrive at strategic locations across Nigeria in the coming weeks.
Online aviation trackers and security observers also reported the arrival of a US Air Force C-130J-30 cargo aircraft at Kaduna International Airport after departing from Ghana, suggesting the possibility of expanded training collaboration between American personnel and the Nigerian military.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, were unsuccessful as he had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time this report was filed.
The development comes amid increasing military engagement between Nigeria and the United States. In 2025, US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington could deepen its security involvement in Nigeria, after which both countries intensified cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts.
Previous reports also indicated that about 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers were expected to support Nigerian forces in targeted operations, with initial personnel already said to have arrived in the country.
Speaking on the situation, a retired officer of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Chris Andrew, said the presence of US personnel should be viewed as technical assistance rather than a combat deployment.
He explained that the collaboration focuses mainly on training, intelligence support and advanced drone operations aimed at improving precision and effectiveness in Nigeria’s ongoing military campaigns.
