US Military Intervention Intensifies in Nigeria: Aircraft Deliver Ammunition to Borno, Other States
Amid escalating security challenges, three United States military aircraft have landed in Nigeria between Thursday, February 12, and Friday, February 13, 2026, delivering critical ammunition to support counter-insurgency operations. The aircraft touched down at military bases in Borno State and other northeastern regions, marking a significant escalation in international security collaboration.
Expanding US-Nigeria Security Partnership
According to reports from The Punch on Sunday, February 15, the US military aircraft dropped ammunition in Borno State as part of broader interventions to bolster Nigeria's fight against insecurity. Senior officers at Nigeria's Defence Headquarters confirmed that this development represents ongoing US support following bilateral security talks between the two nations.
The New York Times further reported that US military aircraft landed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Thursday night, February 12. By Friday evening, three planes were visible at the base, with equipment being actively offloaded from one aircraft. This logistical support comes as Nigeria continues its prolonged battle against jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked splinter factions that have claimed tens of thousands of lives in the northeast.
Recent Security Incidents Linked to US Intervention
The US military presence has been felt across multiple Nigerian states in recent months:
- Suspected Explosives in Kwara State: In December 2025, at least two objects believed to be explosives landed in Offa town, Kwara State. The objects struck the Eid ground and Solid Worth Hotel in Ijagbo on December 25 but did not detonate, causing alarm among residents who reported hearing loud thuds.
- US-Coordinated Strikes in Sokoto State: On December 25, 2025, the United States conducted precision strikes against Islamic State militants in Sokoto State in coordination with the Nigerian government. Former US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that "ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria" had been targeted with "numerous perfect strikes." While official details about the strikes' impact remain limited, a 2026 HumAngle report described the operation as "performative."
- Ammunition Delivery in Borno State: Multiple military aircraft have recently landed at bases in Borno and other northeastern states, carrying ammunition supplied by the US government to enhance Nigeria's counter-insurgency capabilities. A senior Defence Headquarters official stated: "Following Nigeria-US bilateral talks on security, the American government will not only deploy soldiers but also provide necessary logistics, including ammunition, to fight the insurgents."
Operational Parameters and Command Structure
The director of defence information, Major-General Samaila Uba, clarified that approximately 200 US troops deployed to Nigeria are operating at the federal government's request to provide advisory support at various locations. These soldiers are not serving in combat capacities, and the Nigerian Armed Forces retain full command authority over all missions.
This security collaboration represents a strategic deepening of ties between the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the United States under former President Donald Trump, focusing on combating jihadist groups that threaten national stability. The ammunition deliveries and coordinated strikes demonstrate a tangible commitment to addressing Nigeria's security crisis through international partnership.
