US Military Aircraft Deliver Ammunition to Nigeria in Fresh Counterterrorism Push

At least three United States military aircraft have arrived at military bases in Borno State and other parts of northeastern Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, delivering ammunition to support ongoing counterterrorism operations, authoritative defence sources have confirmed.

Senior officers at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the consignments were part of broader security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The development follows high-level bilateral talks and signals deepening military collaboration between both nations.

“Following Nigeria-US bilateral discussions on security, the American government has committed not only to deploying personnel but also to providing essential logistics, including ammunition, to aid the fight against insurgents,” one senior military officer told our correspondent.

Another official explained that the deliveries were routine operational logistics, aimed at replenishing ammunition expended during recent military campaigns.

“We go for operations and use different calibres of ammunition, which need to be replaced. The US and the Nigerian government, under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, are working together to end insecurity. We should expect more deployments of aircraft and personnel,” the source added.

Reports from tracking platforms and international media also corroborated the movement. The New York Times reported that the first of the aircraft landed in Maiduguri on Thursday night, with three planes observed at the base by Friday evening. A US Department of Defense official described the flights as the beginning of a sustained airlift involving C-17 transport aircraft into multiple locations across Nigeria.

On Friday, a US Air Force C-130J-30 cargo aircraft was also tracked landing at Kaduna International Airport after departing from Accra, Ghana. Security analysts suggest the Kaduna depot may serve as a training hub for US personnel collaborating with the Nigerian military.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, had not responded to inquiries at the time of filing this report.

Experts Welcome Development, Urge Sovereignty Safeguards

Reacting to the development, retired intelligence officer Chris Andrew said the US presence should not be misunderstood as a combat deployment. He described the mission as technical support, particularly in the areas of drone warfare and precision air operations.

“They are not bringing combat troops. They are here to build our capacity in advanced drone technology and precision strikes. Following the Christmas Day operation in Sokoto, it is clear our air capabilities have improved,” Andrew said.

He also noted that Nigeria should leverage the exit of US forces from Niger Republic to host a drone base, suggesting the Sambisa Forest as a potential location to deter terrorist activities.

Security analyst Chidi Omeje described the collaboration as a triumph of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, especially given earlier threats by the Trump administration to deploy forces if Nigeria failed to protect Christian communities.

“It would have been diplomatically damaging if Nigeria had mismanaged this. The government handled it well, turning what could have been confrontation into partnership and mutual respect,” Omeje said.

He, however, stressed that Nigeria must retain full sovereignty over all joint operations.

“What would be unacceptable is any form of humiliation foreign forces operating without our consent or unilateral strikes on our soil. But if this partnership helps end terrorism and restore normalcy, Nigerians will welcome it,” he added.

The latest military collaboration follows President Donald Trump’s 2025 declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and a Christmas Day airstrike by US forces against Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State. Reports indicate about 200 US intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers are expected to be deployed in the coming weeks.