The first group of United States military personnel has arrived in Nigeria, marking the start of a planned deployment of about 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers to assist Nigerian security forces in counterterrorism efforts. A U.S. military aircraft reportedly touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night, with roughly 100 personnel in the initial wave. Additional flights carrying personnel and equipment are expected in the coming weeks. Noncombat Advisory Role According to Nigerian defence spokesman Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the U.S. troops will operate strictly in a noncombat capacity. “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 ...