US Military Boosts Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency With Ammunition, Troop

The United States military has stepped up support for Nigeria’s counter‑insurgency operations with ammunition deliveries to military bases in Borno State and other northeastern regions, deepening cooperation in the fight against armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The development follows increased security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States amid growing concern over persistent attacks that have destabilised communities and challenged Nigerian forces.

Aerial Deliveries and Logistics Support

Between Thursday and Friday, US military aircraft, including C‑17 and C‑130J transport planes, landed at strategic airbases in Nigeria, delivering ammunition and logistical equipment intended to strengthen the operational capabilities of Nigerian troops deployed in major insurgency‑affected areas. Senior officers at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed that the shipments stem from recent Nigeria‑US bilateral security discussions, and are meant to reinforce ongoing operations rather than establish foreign command over Nigerian forces.

“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,” a senior military source said, underlining the collaborative nature of the support.

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One of the aircraft was sighted at Maiduguri Air Base in Borno State, a key hub for operations against insurgent cells in the northeast. Satellite imagery and reports suggest that at least three US aircraft were involved in the resupply missions, with heavy cargo offloaded for Nigerian units. Additional flights reportedly landed at Kaduna International Airport, fuelling speculation that the facility could serve as a logistical or training hub for US personnel working with the Nigerian military.

US Troop Deployment and Advisory Teams

In addition to ammunition deliveries, the United States has already deployed a contingent of roughly 100 military personnel to Nigeria. This advance team, comprised of intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers, is part of a broader initiative to enhance coordination, tactical expertise, and battlefield intelligence between the two forces. More personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

US forces in Nigeria are not engaged in direct combat; instead, they are focused on training and supporting Nigerian troops to plan and execute more effective operations against insurgent threats. Nigeria remains in operational command of all missions, with the US role emphasising support and capacity building.

Timeline of US‑Nigeria Security Cooperation

The current ammunition deliveries and troop movements form part of an expanding security partnership that has evolved over the past year:

• Late 2025: US officials warned that greater action would be considered if attacks against civilians, including Christians, continued — highlighting rising concern over targeted violence in parts of Nigeria.
• Christmas Day 2025: The United States reportedly carried out precision airstrikes on Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State, indicating a willingness to take direct action against extremist elements.
• Early 2026: Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by the US over deteriorating security conditions, prompting intensified diplomatic and military engagement to address regional instability.
• February 2026: The first contingent of US support personnel arrived in Nigeria, beginning advisory and training operations ahead of more comprehensive logistical cooperation.

Strategic Implications and Local Responses

The Nigerian government, while underscoring its sovereignty, welcomes the additional support as crucial given the ongoing challenges posed by insurgent attacks, suicide bombings, and cross‑border raids that have displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives over more than a decade. Security analysts say the US presence reflects shared concerns about regional stability and a recognition that enhanced tactical support could help improve outcomes for Nigerian forces on the ground.

Not all reactions have been uniform; some civil society and nationalistic voices stress the need for clear guidelines governing foreign military presence and emphasise the importance of reinforcing Nigerian-led strategies, including community‑based intelligence and local security initiatives.

Officials from both Washington and Abuja maintain that the cooperation is intended to be complementary, with Nigerian command preserved at every level of planning and execution.

US Military Boosts Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency With Ammunition, Troop

One Dead as Hausa, Benue Communities Clash at Port Harcourt Market

Violence broke out in parts of Rivers State following a clash between members of the Hausa and Benue communities over the killing of a trader at a popular market in Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred at the Fruit Market, Oil Mill axis, Rumuokwurusi, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where a disagreement reportedly escalated into a fatal stabbing.

According to the Rivers State Police Command, the crisis began when a trader from Benue State was involved in a dispute with a wheelbarrow pusher over trading space. The argument allegedly degenerated, resulting in the trader being stabbed.

The victim was rushed to a hospital in Port Harcourt but was confirmed dead by medical personnel. News of the killing quickly spread through the market, triggering reprisals and violent confrontations between youths from both communities.

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Eyewitnesses said shops were hurriedly shut as traders fled the area, while properties and goods were damaged during the unrest. The clash caused panic among residents and disrupted commercial activities in the area for several hours.

Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene to restore order, while police confirmed that the prime suspect had been arrested and taken into custody. Normalcy was later restored following the intervention of law enforcement agencies.

The police said investigations into the murder and subsequent violence are ongoing, assuring that all those involved will be brought to justice.

Authorities and community leaders have appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid taking the law into their hands while dialogue continues to prevent further escalation.

One Dead as Hausa, Benue Communities Clash at Port Harcourt Market

Tragedy on Enugu–Port Harcourt Highway as 11 Die in Road Accident

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of 11 persons in a fatal road accident that occurred on Saturday evening along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Enugu State, Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident to journalists in Enugu, stating that the crash involved two vehicles and occurred at about 6:46 p.m. near the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command axis of the expressway.

According to him, the victims comprised 10 males and one female.

“A total of 36 persons—including 27 males and nine females—were involved in the collision between a commercial Toyota Coaster bus and an articulated Mercedes-Benz trailer,” Agbakoba said.

He explained that while 11 persons died on the spot, seven others sustained injuries, including three males and four females.

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The injured victims were immediately evacuated to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, for urgent medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Agbakoba said FRSC operatives swiftly responded to the scene, rescuing victims and clearing debris from the road to prevent further accidents.

“Our personnel cleared all obstructions caused by the crash and have since restored free flow of traffic along the affected section of the expressway,” he said.

Preliminary investigations by the FRSC identified route traffic violation (RTV) and loss of control (LOC) as the likely causes of the crash, though further investigations are ongoing.

The sector commander commended officers and marshals of the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command for their prompt rescue efforts, evacuation of victims, and effective traffic management at the scene.

He also assured that more details would be made public as investigations progress, while urging motorists to avoid speeding, observe traffic rules, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, especially on major inter-state highways.

Tragedy on Enugu–Port Harcourt Highway as 11 Die in Road Accident