Three United States military aircraft carrying troops and equipment have reportedly landed in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, marking the start of a new joint advisory operation between the U.S. and Nigeria.

 

According to a report by The New York Times, the first aircraft touched down on Thursday night, with approximately 100 U.S. troops expected to arrive over the weekend. By Friday evening, all three planes had landed, and equipment was being offloaded from one of the aircraft.

 

The flights, identified as C-17 cargo planes, are part of a broader deployment transporting personnel and military gear to multiple sites across Nigeria. Additional flights are expected in the coming weeks as part of the coordinated mission.

 

Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, clarified that the U.S. forces will not engage in combat operations. Instead, they will serve strictly in advisory roles, while Nigerian forces retain full command and operational leadership.

 

The deployment follows recommendations from a joint U.S.-Nigeria working group focused on strengthening security cooperation. The mission is expected to provide advisory support, enhance base security, and improve operational coordination. U.S. personnel will primarily operate from command centers and assist Nigerian forces in establishing secure communications systems and strengthening infrastructure.

 

The advisory mission is aimed at bolstering security efforts in northern Nigeria, particularly in states impacted by jihadist insurgency, including activities linked to Boko Haram. It also comes amid ongoing violence in parts of the Middle Belt, where clashes between Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farming communities have led to prolonged instability.

 

The latest development builds on previous military cooperation between both nations, including U.S.-supported airstrikes against Islamist militants last Christmas and continued training of Nigerian special operations units in combat tactics, navigation, and rescue missions.

 

Security analysts say the arrival of U.S. personnel signals renewed international backing for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, though officials maintain the mission’s scope remains advisory and supportive rather than combat-focused.