A security analyst specializing in Sahel region conflicts has reported that the United States has initiated reconnaissance operations in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State under a bilateral security arrangement aimed at countering terrorism.
According to Brant Philip, a jihadi and security tracker, a U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft carried out flights over areas controlled by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Lake Chad. The aircraft reportedly took off from Accra, Ghana, and has conducted multiple sorties in recent days.
In a series of social media posts, Philip stated that the operations are part of an undisclosed military agreement between the U.S. and Nigeria. He suggested that the partnership may permit the U.S. to conduct unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes against terrorist targets, though the use of manned fighter jets or bombers has not been authorized.
Philip further indicated that the U.S. may utilize Kainji Air Base in Niger State as an operational hub to support Nigerian military efforts, particularly in filling intelligence gaps.
These claims have not been officially confirmed by either the Nigerian or U.S. governments. However, the reports have sparked concern in some quarters. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad criticized the public disclosure of such operations, warning that it could compromise security efforts by alerting terrorist groups.
The alleged flights follow a high-level meeting in November between U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu. Both parties discussed collaboration on ending violence against Christians and combatting jihadist groups in West Africa.
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened insecurity in Nigeria, where kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist activities remain pervasive. Prior to the meeting, former U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened unilateral military action in Nigeria against “Islamic terrorists,” a statement that was strongly rejected by Nigerian authorities, no official comments have been issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Defence or the U.S. Department of War regarding the alleged surveillance operations.
