The United States has reportedly intensified its intelligence and surveillance operations over Nigeria following security warnings from US President Donald Trump. Recent reports indicate that new reconnaissance flights have been conducted across various parts of the country, highlighting Washington’s growing concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Ejes Gist News reports that the surveillance activities reportedly began in late November, amid escalating concerns over terrorism, kidnappings, and religious violence affecting different regions in Nigeria. The operations are believed to be part of broader intelligence-gathering efforts, although official details remain scarce due to the sensitive nature of the missions.
Background: US Surveillance and Presidential Warnings
President Trump had previously raised alarms over Nigeria’s security situation, specifically citing threats to Christian communities in the country. His comments prompted international attention and renewed debate on religiously motivated attacks and general insecurity. While Trump’s warnings sparked diplomatic discussions, the US response appears to have extended into concrete intelligence measures, including the deployment of surveillance aircraft to monitor security threats.
- Donald Trump Closes Venezuelan Airspace as Tensions Surge, Citizens Face Travel Disruptions
- How to Get Your TIN, Verify Your TIN, and Submit It to Your Bank in Nigeria
Although the US has not officially disclosed the objectives of the surveillance missions, analysts suggest the timing aligns with heightened concerns about militant activity, kidnappings of foreign nationals, and cross-border security threats in West Africa.
Flight Operations and Strategic Bases
Available flight records indicate that the reconnaissance aircraft primarily operate from Ghana, with Accra serving as the main logistical hub. The planes reportedly enter Nigerian airspace, conduct surveillance operations, and return to their base in Accra.
The operator of the flights has been identified as Tenax Aerospace, a US-based company known for providing special mission aircraft linked to American military operations. Security experts note that Ghana’s strategic location makes it a preferred base for US operations in West Africa. Its well-established infrastructure and political stability offer a safe staging point for regional intelligence activities.
Analysts believe that this operational choice also reflects broader US strategic objectives in West Africa, particularly after Niger reportedly restricted American forces and increased ties with Russia. The intensified surveillance may signal a US effort to reassert its intelligence presence and maintain situational awareness across key parts of the region.
Focus on Militant Groups and Kidnappings
Security experts say the intelligence flights are likely concentrating on active armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in northern Nigeria. These groups have remained a persistent threat, engaging in attacks on civilians, kidnapping operations, and cross-border movements that destabilize the region.
Ejes Gist News gathered that intelligence officials are also reportedly using the missions to track individuals involved in high-profile kidnappings, including a recently abducted American pilot. While US authorities remain tight-lipped, the operations are considered critical for both regional security and the protection of American citizens abroad.
Nigerian Government Response
The Nigerian government has publicly refuted claims that security threats disproportionately target Christian communities. Military and government officials argue that armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians, emphasizing that the crisis is fueled by a mix of terrorism, banditry, and organized criminal networks.
A Nigerian security source confirmed that both countries reached an agreement on intelligence cooperation during a high-level security meeting in November. The accord reportedly included the deployment of air assets to assist in intelligence gathering, demonstrating collaboration between Nigeria and the United States despite diplomatic sensitivities.
Surveillance Aircraft and Capabilities
The aircraft involved in these operations is reportedly a modified Gulfstream V jet. Such planes are commonly used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions due to their long-range capabilities, high-altitude performance, and adaptability for advanced sensor equipment.
Security analysts point out that the choice of aircraft allows the US to conduct extensive monitoring without deploying ground troops, thus reducing the operational footprint while maintaining intelligence coverage over critical areas in Nigeria.
Implications for US-Nigeria Security Cooperation
Ejes Gist News learnt that the surveillance flights are part of ongoing US-Nigeria security collaboration. Washington has consistently emphasized its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to address terrorism, religious violence, and kidnapping threats.
The operations also underline the importance of intelligence-sharing mechanisms between the two countries, particularly in the context of a growing insurgency in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. By monitoring armed groups and potential terrorist activity, the US aims to provide actionable intelligence that can assist Nigerian security forces in mitigating attacks.
Current Security Situation in Nigeria
Nigeria has been facing increasingly severe security challenges across multiple states. Northern regions, including Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, and Borno, continue to experience deadly attacks, mass kidnappings, and abductions targeting schools and communities.
President Bola Tinubu recently declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the rising threat, ordering large-scale recruitment into both the Nigerian Armed Forces and the police. The government’s actions aim to bolster national security and restore public confidence in state protection mechanisms.
Analysts note that the US surveillance flights may provide vital intelligence to complement Nigeria’s domestic security efforts, particularly in areas where insurgent activity has historically overwhelmed local forces.
Strategic Context in West Africa
Observers highlight that the renewed US intelligence activity comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Africa. Several countries, including Niger and Mali, have reduced American military presence, while increasing collaboration with alternative partners such as Russia.
Ejes Gist News reports that maintaining intelligence operations from Ghana allows the US to sustain monitoring capabilities in the region while navigating the evolving political landscape. Such operations also reflect a strategic commitment to curbing transnational threats that could destabilize West Africa and threaten US interests.
Expert Analysis
Security analysts assert that the timing and nature of the US flights suggest multiple objectives:
- Tracking militant movements: Monitoring Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed groups in northern Nigeria.
- Protecting foreign nationals: Gathering intelligence on high-profile kidnappings involving US citizens.
- Supporting regional stability: Collecting data to anticipate cross-border threats and prevent the spread of violence into neighboring countries.
- Maintaining strategic presence: Rebuilding American intelligence capacity in West Africa after reductions in military deployments elsewhere.
Experts also point to the symbolic significance of the flights, noting that they send a strong signal to both Nigerian authorities and militant groups regarding the US commitment to regional security.
Regional and International Reactions
The US surveillance initiative has attracted attention from regional observers and international partners. While some view the flights as necessary for intelligence gathering and counterterrorism, others have raised concerns about sovereignty and the risk of escalating tensions between the US and Nigeria.
Ejes Gist News reports that the Nigerian government has emphasized ongoing cooperation with the US, highlighting that the operations are conducted with mutual agreement and in support of national security priorities. This coordination seeks to balance the need for intelligence with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
What you should know
The intensification of US surveillance flights over Nigeria underscores the persistent security challenges facing the country. As terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry continue to threaten civilian populations, intelligence cooperation between the US and Nigeria remains a crucial component of regional security strategy.
Ejes Gist News gathered that while operational details remain classified, the flights signal a renewed American commitment to West African security and highlight the complex interplay between local insurgencies, regional geopolitics, and international security partnerships.
