The first contingent of United States troops and military aircraft has arrived in Nigeria to support joint operations against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to reports, five U.S. military cargo planes landed in the northeast region, with Maiduguri Airbase in Borno State serving as the primary hub for the deployment.
A U.S. military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night, followed by additional arrivals by Friday evening. One C-17A landed at Kainji Airbase, while three C-17As and one C-130J-30 headed to Maiduguri. All aircraft departed their bases on the same day they landed, indicating heavy equipment transport.
President Donald Trump approved the deployment of 200 U.S. soldiers to train Nigerian forces in air and infantry operations, intelligence gathering, and eliminating Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
The troops are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks, providing advisory and technical guidance without direct combat involvement. Maiduguri Airbase will likely be the main operations center, as ISWAP controls much of Borno State’s rural areas.
This move follows U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025 targeting ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State, described as joint operations with Nigeria.
The deployment signals enhanced U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation amid escalating threats from Boko Haram and banditry.
Analysts suggest the volume of aircraft indicates delivery of advanced equipment, possibly including MQ-9 Reaper drones and attack helicopters.
The initiative underscores U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism in West Africa, with Nigeria’s service chiefs arriving in Maiduguri to coordinate. As operations unfold, this partnership aims to bolster Nigerian efforts against insurgents.
“The deployment follows U.S. airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025 and aligns with broader efforts like the US lawmakers’ bill on Christian persecution in Nigeria.”