By Muhammad Mamman
An American Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft has returned to Nigeria’s North-East to monitor the movements and activities of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following a series of recent airstrikes in the region.
Security sources disclosed that the aircraft, which has previously assisted Nigeria in counter-terrorism operations, resumed overflight missions this week to provide real-time intelligence on ISWAP’s operational patterns, hideouts and possible mobilisation routes.
The renewed surveillance effort comes amid intensified military operations aimed at disrupting the group’s capacity to regroup after recent strikes on its enclaves.
Although details of the mission remain classified, officials noted that the ISR platform is expected to enhance situational awareness for Nigerian forces and support ongoing efforts to maintain pressure on insurgent elements across the region.
Neither Nigerian authorities nor US officials have issued formal public statements on the deployment, but defence analysts say the move signals strengthened intelligence cooperation between both countries in the fight against terrorism.
