US Cargo Planes ‘Reportedly’ Lands in Maiduguri, Kainji Military Bases
Three United States military cargo aircraft have landed at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Maiduguri, Borno State, amid reports of increased security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Security analyst Brant Philip disclosed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday that six US Air Force cargo planes arrived in West Africa between February 6 and 14, 2026. He indicated that the deployments could be linked to preparations for a potential US-backed offensive targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which remains active in parts of Nigeria’s North-East.
According to Philip, all six aircraft first made a stop in Accra, Ghana, before five proceeded to various Nigerian Air Force bases.
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Of the five aircraft that continued to Nigeria, one C-17A landed at the NAF Base in Kainji, Niger State. The remaining four — comprising one C-130J-30 and three C-17A aircraft — touched down at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, Borno State. He added that each of the aircraft departed the respective bases on the same day they arrived.
Philip further noted that a sixth aircraft, which arrived later, is also expected to follow a similar route towards Nigeria’s North-East.
Maiduguri serves as a critical operational hub for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign, particularly against ISWAP fighters who continue to operate in several rural communities across Borno State.
Meanwhile, a report by the The Wall Street Journal on February 10 stated that American and Nigerian officials had discussed plans for the possible deployment of about 200 US troops to Nigeria to support ongoing security efforts.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian military nor US authorities have issued an official statement confirming the aircraft movements or any troop deployment.
By PRNigeria
