Three United States military aircraft carrying troops and equipment have landed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, marking the start of a joint U.S.–Nigeria advisory operation, according to a report by The New York Times.
The aircraft, identified as Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes, are part of a series of flights transporting personnel and equipment to multiple locations across Nigeria. The first plane reportedly arrived Thursday night, with approximately 100 U.S. troops expected over the weekend. By Friday evening, all three aircraft had landed, and equipment was being offloaded.
Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, clarified that U.S. forces will serve strictly in advisory capacities and will not participate in combat operations. He emphasized that Nigerian forces will retain full command and lead all missions.
The deployment follows recommendations from a joint U.S.–Nigeria working group and is focused on advisory support, base security, and operational coordination. U.S. personnel are expected to operate primarily from command centers, assisting with secure communications and infrastructure development.
The mission is concentrated in northern Nigeria, particularly areas affected by insurgent activity from Boko Haram, as well as parts of the Middle Belt experiencing resource-based conflicts between Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farming communities.
The latest deployment builds on previous military cooperation between both countries, including U.S.-supported air operations against Islamist militants and ongoing training programs for Nigerian special operations units in combat tactics, navigation, and rescue missions.
More flights are anticipated in the coming weeks as the advisory mission expands.
