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U.S. C-17 Transport Planes Touch Down in Maiduguri to Begin Major Troop Deployment

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7 months ago

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The US military has initiated a new phase of security cooperation with Nigeria, with aircraft landing in Maiduguri, Borno state. A US plane touched down at the city’s airport on Thursday night, marking the beginning of this development.

More aircraft are expected to arrive over the weekend, as part of a planned deployment of around 200 American personnel. This move signals a significant step in US-Nigeria security ties.

The aircraft, mainly C-17 transport planes, are carrying intelligence analysts, advisers, trainers, and equipment, according to officials. By Friday evening, multiple planes were spotted at the base, with equipment being offloaded from at least one of them.

The New York Times quoted a US Defense Department official as saying the flights into Maiduguri were the first in a series of C-17 operations scheduled for three key locations across Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Because many of the deployment areas have limited infrastructure, officials noted that the early arrivals will focus on setting up secure communications systems, base facilities and operational support structures alongside Nigerian counterparts.

Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, Nigeria’s defense spokesman, emphasized that the arriving personnel would not take part in combat operations.

“These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role. Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory,” General Uba said.

He explained that the deployment followed recommendations of a joint US-Nigeria working group and is focused strictly on advisory and technical assistance.

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The US is sending more aircraft to Nigeria over the next few weeks as part of a temporary mission to support counterterrorism efforts. This deployment will boost the existing team of American advisers, enhancing joint planning and intelligence-sharing with Nigerian forces.

The goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s capabilities against terrorist groups, without US troops engaging in combat.

The current arrivals follow a week of heightened US military air activity in West Africa.

Between February 6 and 14, six US Air Force cargo aircraft were tracked landing in the region, each initially stopping in Accra, Ghana, before proceeding onward.

Open-source flight tracking data indicates that five of the aircraft later landed at Nigerian Air Force bases, while a sixth aircraft arrived most recently and is expected to follow a similar route toward the northeast.

According to details shared by @BrantPhilip_, an independent tracker and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst:

One C-17A landed at Kainji Airbase.

One C-130J-30 landed at Maiduguri Airbase, Borno State.

Three C-17A aircraft landed at Maiduguri Airbase.

All aircraft reportedly departed on the same day they landed.

“Maiduguri Airbase will likely be the primary base of operations for supporting the Nigerian army against ISWAP. This is a critical location as the IS affiliate currently controls most of Borno State rural areas.

“The volume of the delivery and the type of aircraft used by the USAF indicates that very heavy equipment is being sent to Maiduguri Airbase, I suspect at least one or more MQ-9 Reaper drones, attack helicopters and of course a large number of US troops,” @BrantPhilip_ said.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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