The United States has intensified its security watch on Nigeria following recent threats by US President Donald Trump.
New intelligence flights have reportedly been conducted over different parts of the country, raising fresh attention around Nigeria’s worsening security situation and Washington’s growing concern.
The surveillance activities reportedly began in late November. The flights are believed to be part of broader intelligence-gathering efforts linked to terrorism, kidnappings, and religious violence in Nigeria.
Although the exact objectives of the missions have not been officially disclosed, the timing has drawn strong interest due to Trump’s earlier warning of possible military action.
Trump had accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop violence against Christian communities. His comments sparked diplomatic reactions and renewed debate around religious attacks and insecurity across the country.
Available flight records indicate that the aircraft involved usually operates from Ghana. The planes reportedly fly over Nigerian airspace before returning to Accra.
The operator has been identified as Tenax Aerospace, a US-based company known for providing special mission aircraft linked to American military operations.
Security analysts say the choice of Ghana as an operating base is strategic. Accra is widely regarded as a major logistics hub for US military activities in Africa.
Experts believe the operations suggest a rebuilding of American intelligence capacity in West Africa after Niger recently pushed US forces out and strengthened ties with Russia.
Observers also link the renewed surveillance to militant threats in the region. Armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province remain active in northern Nigeria. Intelligence flights are believed to focus on tracking their movements and monitoring potential cross-border threats.
US officials have quietly confirmed that surveillance flights are taking place but declined to share details. They cited diplomatic sensitivity and security concerns. Some officials said the missions also support efforts to track a kidnapped American pilot taken earlier in the region.
Washington has maintained that it is working closely with Nigerian authorities to address terrorism and religious violence. US officials have stressed that cooperation with Nigeria remains ongoing, even as concerns over insecurity continue to rise.
Nigeria, however, has pushed back against claims of targeted Christian persecution. Government and military officials insist that armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians. They argue that the crisis is complex and driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminal networks rather than religion alone.
A Nigerian security source disclosed that both countries agreed on intelligence cooperation during a high-level security meeting in November. The agreement reportedly included the deployment of air assets to support intelligence gathering.
The surveillance aircraft involved is said to be a modified Gulfstream V jet. Such aircraft are commonly used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions due to their long-range capabilities.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria is facing increasing security challenges. Deadly attacks, mass kidnappings, and school abductions have continued in several northern states.
In response, President Bola Tinubu recently declared a security emergency and ordered large-scale recruitment into the armed forces and police.