US Launches Spy Flights Over Sambisa Forest After Sokoto Airstrikes

The United States has reportedly intensified its military and intelligence focus on Nigeria’s security situation following recent airstrikes on terrorist positions in Sokoto State. Attention has now shifted to the Sambisa Forest, a long standing stronghold of insurgent groups in the North East.

Fresh intelligence gathering activities are currently underway over the vast Sambisa Forest located in Borno State. The operation involves high altitude aerial surveillance aimed at monitoring movements and collecting critical security information within the region.

The development was disclosed by a security analyst, Brant Philip, who shared details in a post on X. According to him, flight tracking data revealed the presence of a high altitude aircraft operating within Borno airspace.

The aircraft was identified as a Gulfstream V, a jet commonly used for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Analysis of the flight path showed repeated movements over areas believed to be linked to insurgent activity.

Philip noted that the surveillance operation is focused on the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, one of the most active terrorist factions operating in Nigeria and across the wider Lake Chad Basin.

ISWAP has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in the North East, targeting civilians, military formations, and critical infrastructure. The group has continued to pose a significant security threat despite ongoing counterterrorism operations by Nigerian and regional forces.

Sambisa Forest has remained a key operational base for insurgent groups due to its vast size, dense vegetation, and difficult terrain, which make surveillance and ground operations challenging.

The renewed intelligence activity suggests increased international attention on militant movements in the region, coming shortly after the airstrikes in Sokoto State that reportedly disrupted terrorist camps and forced armed groups to relocate.

Nigerian security authorities have yet to officially comment on the reported surveillance flights. However, analysts believe the operation could support ongoing counterterrorism efforts by providing actionable intelligence on insurgent movements and hideouts in the North East.