The planes were said to have landed at military facilities in Borno and other North-East states. According to Punch, senior officials at the Defence Headquarters disclosed that the aircraft delivered ammunition supplied by the US government to support Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.

The officers, who spoke separately, explained that the deliveries followed recent bilateral security talks between Nigeria and the United States.

“After Nigeria-US discussions on security collaboration, the American government agreed not only to deploy personnel but also to provide logistics support, including ammunition, to combat insurgents,” one official, who asked not to be named, said.

Another senior officer described the shipment as routine operational support, noting that ammunition stocks are regularly replenished after military operations.

“We conduct operations using different calibres of ammunition, which must be replaced. The US and Nigerian governments, under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, are working closely to address insecurity. We should expect further deployments of aircraft and personnel,” he added.

C-17 Flights Reported in Multiple Locations

A report by The New York Times stated that US military aircraft landed in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday night, with three planes seen at the base by Friday evening and equipment being offloaded.

A US Department of Defence official reportedly described the flights as the beginning of a series of C-17 transport missions to three key locations across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, posts on claimed that a US Air Force C-30J aircraft landed at Kaduna International Airport after departing Ghana, sparking speculation that the Kaduna Depot could serve as a training hub for US personnel working with Nigerian forces.

Another user reported that a C-130J-30 cargo aircraft followed a similar route from Accra to northeast Nigeria, suggesting that significant equipment deliveries were underway.

As of the time of reporting, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, had not issued an official response.

Growing Security Collaboration

The development comes amid strengthened security ties between both countries. In 2025, former US President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of deploying forces to Nigeria if violence against Christians was not addressed. The US later carried out an airstrike against Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State on Christmas Day.

Since then, cooperation between the two nations has reportedly intensified. Earlier reports suggested that about 200 US personnel would be deployed to Nigeria, with initial arrivals already in the country.

The New York Times noted that the broader mission would involve American intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers supporting Nigerian forces in targeted counter-terrorism operations, particularly to protect vulnerable communities.

Experts: Focus on Training, Not Combat

Security analysts say the US presence should be viewed as technical and strategic support rather than a frontline combat deployment.

Retired Nigerian Army Intelligence officer Chris Andrew said the Americans were providing specialised expertise, especially in advanced drone operations and precision air capabilities.

“They are not bringing combat troops. Nigeria has engaged countries like Turkey on drone technology, but the US has advanced capacity to train us in precision operations,” he said.

Andrew also suggested that Nigeria could benefit from hosting a drone base, particularly following the US withdrawal from neighbouring Niger.

Another security expert, Chidi Omeje, described the development as a result of effective diplomatic engagement.

“If the collaboration involves training, intelligence and technology that strengthens our operational capacity, it should be welcomed,” he said, while cautioning that Nigeria must retain full sovereignty in all military partnerships.

He added that communities affected by terrorism are primarily concerned about restoring peace and security, regardless of the form of assistance provided.