U.S. Expands Security Cooperation with Nigeria as Military Aircraft Arrive

Last update: February 24

The United States is increasing its security cooperation with Nigeria amid growing concern about extremist violence in West Africa. The expanded partnership includes military training, intelligence sharing, and limited troop deployments intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism while avoiding direct American combat operations.

Four USAF military aircraft flew recently to Nigeria probably transporting troops and material like trucks.

According to U.S. and Nigerian officials, Washington plans to deploy approximately 200 American troops to Nigeria. Their mission will focus on training and advising Nigerian forces fighting militant groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Nigerian authorities will retain full operational command.

The renewed cooperation follows recent military activity linked to counterterrorism operations in the region. In late December 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes against suspected Islamic State targets in Sokoto State, reportedly in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The strikes were part of broader efforts to disrupt extremist networks operating across northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel.

Security analysts say the move reflects concern about a worsening insurgency in northern Nigeria. Jihadist factions affiliated with the Islamic State have intensified attacks on civilians and military installations. The conflict, now entering its second decade, has caused thousands of deaths and displaced large populations across the region.

Flight-tracking data suggests that U.S. military airlift operations connected to the deployment began early February.

The first USAF to arrive in the northern part of Nigeria was C-17 07-7175. It departed Dover February 4 and landed at Accra. It then flew to Lagos, Nigeria. At February 6 the aircraft flew from Lagos to an uknown destination in Nigeria. This could be Kainji airforce base.

The second aircraft observed arriving in Nigeria was a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III (tail number 10-0216), which departed McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and flew via Gran Canaria and Accra, Ghana. The aircraft likely continued to Maiduguri in northeastern Nigeria, though Yola Air Base in Adamawa State remains another possible destination. The final leg of the flight could not be confirmed due to limited tracking coverage.

A third C-17 transport aircraft (10-0218) followed a similar route, also departing from McGuire Air Force Base and stopping in Accra before arriving in northeastern Nigeria on February 12.

At February 12 a fourth C-17 04-4128 arrived at Accra. The aircraft departed McGuire and flew via a stop at Aguadilla in Puerto Rico in Ghana. At February 14 it is still at Accra. At February 14 the aircraft flew to likely Maiduguru in Nigeria as RCH195.

On February 13, a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules (15-5822) also arrived in the region. The aircraft had departed Ramstein Air Base in Germany on February 10 and made several intermediate stops before reaching what appears to be Maiduguri.

Additional airlift activity continued on February 14, when another, number five, C-17 (04-4133) landed in Accra after flying from Aguadilla in Puerto Rico, suggesting ongoing logistical support operations connected to the deployment. The mission originated at McGuire AFB. On February 15 the aircraft flew to likely Maiduguri.

An USAF C-130 11-5738 flew as LION466 on February 16 from Accra to a destination in the east of Nigeria. Just like all other flights the track stopped after a while. It might have landed at Bauchi airbase. The mission started at Ramstein. This was the second C-130 flying to Nigeria.

At February 16, C-17 04-4130 arrived at Accra from Aquadilla at Puerto Rico. Flightnumber was RCH420. This is the sixth C-17 which has Nigeria as final destination. At Feb 17 the aircraft flew to likely Maiduguri and returned the sane day to Accra.

Together, the aircraft movements indicate a gradual buildup of U.S. logistical and advisory support in Nigeria as Washington seeks to reinforce regional counterterrorism efforts without committing combat forces.

At February 17 C-130 11-5738 again flew from Accra to Bauchi and returned to Accra. Callsign LION466. It then flew towards Europe.

At February 18 USAF C-130 16-5883 flew from Accra to likely Bauchi. It returned to Accra the same day. Callsign was LION454. The mission started at February 16 at Ramstein.

At February 19 16-5883 flew another trip Accra to Bauchi and back.

At February 18 USAF C-17 07-7187 arrived at Accra as RCH796. The mission originated in Charleston and made stops in Ramstein and Gran Canaria. At February 19 it flew Accra-Bauchi and back to Accra.

On February 24 USAF C-130 08-3176 flies to a destination in eastern Nigeria from Accra. The mission started in Ramstein at February 22. Using stops at Rota and Dakar the aircraft arrived at Accra at February 23.