Three United States military aircraft transporting troops and equipment have arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, marking the start of a new security cooperation deployment between Nigeria and the US.
According to a report by The New York Times, the first aircraft touched down on Thursday night, while two additional planes arrived by Friday evening. Equipment was seen being offloaded from at least one of the cargo jets.
Officials from both countries indicated that about 100 US personnel are expected in the first phase of the deployment, with more arrivals scheduled over the weekend.
A US Department of Defense official, who spoke anonymously due to operational sensitivity, said the flights are part of a broader movement of C-17 cargo aircraft to multiple locations across Nigeria.
Additional flights carrying personnel and supplies are planned in the coming weeks.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Samaila Uba, clarified that the US troops will serve strictly in a non-combat role.
Speaking earlier to The Wall Street Journal and later to The New York Times, he stressed that Nigerian forces will maintain full operational control.
According to him, the foreign personnel will act only as advisers at designated sites, while Nigerian authorities will continue to command and lead all missions within the country.
Officials said the deployment followed recommendations from a joint US–Nigeria working group focused on security collaboration.
The move comes amid sustained criticism from US President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s handling of militant violence and civilian protection.
