SUNTV Global Channel – February 15, 2026
Maiduguri, Borno State – United States military aircraft have begun arriving in Maiduguri, marking the start of a new phase of security cooperation between the US and Nigeria.
The first US plane touched down Thursday night, with several more expected over the weekend as part of a phased deployment of around 200 American personnel. The aircraft, primarily C-17 transport planes, are carrying intelligence analysts, advisers, trainers, and military equipment.
By Friday evening, multiple planes were visible at the airbase as personnel began offloading equipment to set up operational support facilities and secure communications alongside Nigerian counterparts.
Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, spokesperson for the Nigerian Defense Ministry, stressed that US personnel will not participate in combat operations. “These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity. Nigerian forces retain full command authority and lead all missions on Nigerian territory,” he said.
US officials noted that the airlift is part of a temporary mission supporting targeted counterterrorism efforts, with the new arrivals augmenting a small team of American advisers already in the country.
Independent OSINT analyst @BrantPhilip_ highlighted Maiduguri as a key operational hub for confronting the ISWAP insurgency, which currently controls large parts of rural Borno State. He added that the types of aircraft and equipment arriving suggest the deployment may include MQ-9 Reaper drones, attack helicopters, and significant US personnel support.
The deployment follows a week of heightened US military air activity in West Africa, with cargo flights previously stopping in Accra, Ghana, before landing at Nigerian Air Force bases.
This joint effort underlines the growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, focusing on intelligence sharing, advisory support, and technical assistance to enhance the fight against terrorism in the northeast.
