The United States has reportedly been flying intelligence-gathering surveillance aircraft over large parts of Nigeria since late November, signalling renewed security cooperation between both countries amid rising diplomatic and security tensions.
According to an exclusive report by Reuters on Monday, flight-tracking data and information from current and former US officials show that the surveillance operations began weeks after US President Donald Trump threatened possible military action over what he described as Nigeria’s failure to stop violence against Christian communities.
While the exact objective of the flights could not be independently confirmed, the report noted that the aircraft routinely departs from Ghana, flies across Nigerian airspace, and returns to Accra. The plane is operated by Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based company known for providing special mission aircraft and working closely with the US military.
Security analysts believe the flights are part of Washington’s effort to rebuild intelligence capacity in West Africa, especially after Niger ordered US troops to vacate a key air base last year and turned to Russia for security support. Ghana’s capital, Accra, is considered a major logistics hub for US military operations in Africa.
A former US official told Reuters that the aircraft was among several intelligence assets moved to Ghana in November. The missions reportedly include efforts to track militant groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as to help locate a US pilot kidnapped earlier this year in the region.
Although US officials declined to provide operational details due to diplomatic sensitivities, one official confirmed that Washington continues to work with Nigeria to address terrorism, religious violence, and broader security threats. The Pentagon also acknowledged holding productive discussions with Nigerian authorities but refused to comment on intelligence activities.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has repeatedly stated that armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, warning against oversimplifying the country’s security challenges. Nevertheless, Abuja has agreed to strengthen collaboration with Washington to counter militant threats.
Flight data further show that the Tenax Aerospace aircraft was seen at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida on November 7 before flying to Ghana on November 24, shortly after high-level talks between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The aircraft, a modified Gulfstream V jet commonly used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, has reportedly flown over Nigeria almost daily since then.
The renewed US security interest comes amid tougher measures against Nigeria, including its addition to a US religious freedom watchlist in October and partial travel restrictions imposed last week. President Trump has also reportedly asked the US Defence Department to prepare for swift military action if killings of Christians continue, even as both countries set up a joint security task force.
Meanwhile, insecurity continues to worsen on the ground. In Plateau State, gunmen are feared to have abducted at least 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area. The victims—men, women, and children—were reportedly on their way to Sabon Layi community on Sunday night for a Maulud celebration when they were ambushed.
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Local youth leader, Sapi’i Sambo, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers seized all occupants of the vehicle, including two princes and a religious leader, before abandoning the car on the outskirts of the community. The abandoned vehicle was discovered the next morning.
Another resident, Ibrahim Musa, said the whereabouts of the abducted travellers remain unknown, adding to fears in the community. The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
Residents of Wase and surrounding areas have expressed growing concern over persistent kidnappings, banditry, and cattle rustling. Just last week, at least 12 miners were given a mass burial after being killed in an attack on a mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, further intensifying calls for urgent and decisive security action across the state.
