- 200 American personnel reportedly land in Maiduguri, more flights expected
- Casualties feared as ISWAP razes military camp in Borno
- Gunmen kill dozens in Niger villages, abduct several
- Analysts warn of insurgents’ southward shift
- Karimi links insecurity to plot against 2027 polls
- ADC berates Tinubu over Argungu outing
Amid surging attacks across Borno and Niger states as well as other parts of the country, reports of the arrival of United States troops in Nigeria have sparked cautious optimism and growing anxiety, as communities grapple with fresh killings and questions over the country’s security direction.
International media reports over the weekend indicated that United States military aircraft and an initial batch of American troops have arrived in North-East Nigeria, in what observers describe as a possible expansion of counter-terrorism cooperation between Nigeria and Washington.
According to a report by The New York Times, a U.S. military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Thursday night, with additional aircraft and personnel expected as part of a phased deployment arrangement.
The newspaper reported that the first wave of U.S. military personnel had arrived in Nigeria, noting that more aircraft were sighted at the Maiduguri base by Friday evening, with equipment and personnel reportedly offloaded.
Citing U.S. defence officials, the report said the troops form part of an estimated deployment of about 200 intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers assigned to support Nigeria’s armed forces in planning, intelligence gathering and other non-combat counter-terrorism roles.
A United States Department of Defense official was quoted as describing the flights as “the vanguard of what will be a stream of C-17 transport flights into three main locations across Nigeria,” suggesting that further movements may follow in the coming weeks.
The report also indicated that Nigerian defence authorities had emphasised that U.S. personnel would not participate in direct combat operations, with operational command and control remaining solely with Nigerian security forces.
While operational details remain limited, security observers said the development aligns with existing bilateral defence engagements between both countries, largely centred on training, intelligence sharing and technical support in the fight against extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin, including factions linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
As of press time, however, there was no official statement from the Presidency or the Nigerian military confirming or denying the reported arrival, leaving the full scope and mandate of the alleged deployment unclear.
Casualties feared as ISWAP attacks military camp in Borno, gunmen kill dozens in Niger
News of the U.S. deployment came as several casualties were feared among military personnel after suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a Nigerian military camp in Pulka, Borno State, late Saturday night.
Eyewitnesses said the assault lasted about one and a half hours, with heavy gunfire echoing across the town. Data from the Fire Incident and Risk Management System indicated that the camp was set ablaze during the attack.
Security operatives reportedly responded, but as of press time, official figures on casualties or the outcome of any counter-operation had not been released.
The incident came a day after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters abducted five civilians in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Council of Borno State.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on Friday when armed militants stormed a local fish market and seized five residents who were purchasing fresh fish.
Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident, quoting sources familiar with the development. The victims were said to have been taken to an unknown destination, causing panic in the fishing community, which has witnessed repeated insurgent attacks around the Lake Chad region.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai under Sector 3, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, were said to have responded after receiving distress calls. Security sources indicated that intelligence had been gathered on the attackers’ movement and the possible location of the abducted victims.
Also, gunmen on motorcycles reportedly killed at least 46 people and abducted several others in raids on three villages in Borgu Local Council of Niger State, bordering Kwara and Katsina states.
A humanitarian source told AFP that the deadliest assault occurred in Konkoso village, where at least 38 people were allegedly killed. Homes were also set ablaze, with additional bodies said to be recovered.
Confirming the attack in Tunga-Makeri village, the Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said:
“Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village. Six persons lost their lives, some houses were also set ablaze, and a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were abducted.”
Residents also alleged that the Tungadaji community suffered heavy casualties, although the figures could not be independently verified.
The attacks underscore the worsening security crisis in northern Nigeria, where insurgent groups and armed gangs continue to target communities despite ongoing military operations.
Nigerians react to killings, U.S. deployment
Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to react to the ongoing violence and the deployment by the U.S. military.
A security analyst, Mr Alli Hakeem, put the figure of killings across various theatres after the joint Nigerian-U.S. airstrikes at no fewer than 2,000.
He said some of the killings were not reported by the media.
Hakeem added that the continued violence was part of an agenda to balkanise the country, blaming sponsors of terrorism for the situation.
Commenting on the rising attacks, a Public Affairs Commentator, Mr Nengi James, said the terrorists were seeking to prove their continued relevance despite America’s arrival.
He, however, expressed concern that the intervention might be forcing the terrorists to migrate.
“They are moving from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. So the increase in attacks and killings is expected because they will continue to show that they are in existence, that nobody can finish them.
“They are everywhere. So, I think it is now left for our Chief of Defence Staff or the Minister of Defence and others to do well in the operations, both covert and overt. Modalities of operations should change.”
James said the jihadists, rather than focusing solely on the North-West and North-East, were moving towards central parts of the country.
“You know what is happening already in Plateau and in Benue. They are now moving to Kwara. Beyond the North-East and North-West, they are now moving to take over those areas because they see that the Americans might want to concentrate on the North-West and North-East,” he said.
He described the coming of the U.S. as positive for Nigeria, noting that it reflects ongoing security collaboration between the two nations.
On the deployment of U.S. troops and aircraft, James urged intelligence sharing, cooperation and proper coordination between Nigeria and America, which he said are central to tackling terrorism.
He also described the North-Central region as a gateway linking the southern and northeyrn parts of the country.
The Guardian
