US Military Aircraft Land In Nigeria With Troops

Three American military planes transporting soldiers and military equipment have touched down in Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital city, according to reports.

The New York Times reported that the initial aircraft landed in Maiduguri on Thursday evening.

Sources from both nations had indicated that approximately 100 US military personnel would arrive in Nigeria during the weekend.

By Friday night, three aircraft landed in Maiduguri, with cargo being unloaded from at least one plane.

A US Defense Department official, who requested anonymity given the operational sensitivity, informed the newspaper that these initial arrivals represent the beginning of C-17 cargo plane deployments to three separate locations throughout Nigeria.

The official noted that more flights carrying troops and equipment would arrive during the weekend, with further flights expected in subsequent weeks.

Related: Why Trump Ordered A Military Airstrike In Nigeria

Major General Samaila Uba, who serves as spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, clarified that US forces would not participate in combat missions.

He had previously made this statement to the Wall Street Journal when it reported on the planned deployment of 200 American troops to Nigeria.

“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role,” Mr. Uba reiterated to The New York Times.

“Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory.”

According to Mr. Uba, the deployment resulted from suggestions by a joint US-Nigeria working group, with the forces providing advisory support across several locations.

This deployment follows sustained criticism from President Trump over several months, who has condemned Nigeria’s government for what he characterizes as insufficient protection of Christians against fatal attacks by Islamist militants and armed factions.