The United States has been conducting intelligence-gathering surveillance flights over Nigeria since late November, according to flight tracking data and reports from current and former U.S. officials. This move signals a deepening security collaboration between the two nations amidst heightened diplomatic tensions.
The flights reportedly come in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats in November to intervene militarily in Nigeria due to the government’s failure to mitigate violence against Christian communities. These operations follow the kidnapping of a U.S. pilot working for a missionary organization in neighboring Niger.
Flight tracking indicates that the contracted aircraft, operated by Tenax Aerospace, departs from Ghana, traverses Nigerian airspace, and then returns to Accra. A representative for Tenax Aerospace did not respond to requests for comment.
Experts interpret the resumption of surveillance flights as a sign that the U.S. is rebuilding its intelligence capabilities in the region following the withdrawal of troops from a major air base in Niger, which has since looked to Russia for security assistance. These flights aim to locate the kidnapped U.S. pilot and gather intelligence on militant groups like Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The Pentagon stated that U.S. officials have held fruitful discussions with Nigerian authorities regarding the ongoing violence, particularly anti-Christian attacks and broader terrorism issues. The Federal Government has suggested that armed groups target both Christians and Muslims, arguing that the U.S. viewpoint oversimplifies a complex security landscape.
In the meantime, in a separate incident, kidnappers are believed to have abducted 28 travelers in Plateau State, raising alarms over the increasing insecurity in the region. Local leaders have confirmed the incident, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures as the situation continues to deteriorate.
