The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations over Nigeria, just days after conducting precision airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State. Flight tracking data and terrorism analysts confirmed the renewed aerial activity on Saturday, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the US and Nigerian military in counterterrorism efforts.
Brant Philip, a Sahel focused terrorism tracker, shared flight data showing a Gulfstream V aircraft, a long range business jet frequently modified for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, flying over Borno State. According to Philip, Saturday’s operations were aimed at the Islamic State West Africa Province, the ISIS affiliate operating primarily in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
“The United States resumed ISR operations today on ISWAP in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State, after a pause of one day following the strikes in Sokoto State,” Philip wrote on 𝕏, underscoring the continued monitoring of militant activities in the region.
Flight tracking records indicate that US intelligence flights over Nigeria began on November 24, originating from Ghana, which serves as a logistical hub for American military operations in Africa. Since the start of the mission, the aircraft has reportedly flown over Nigerian territory almost daily, gathering critical intelligence on terrorist networks and potential threats to civilian populations.
The aircraft’s operator has been linked to Tenax Aerospace, a provider of special mission aircraft that works closely with the US military. A former US official stated that the missions were tasked not only with monitoring militant activities but also with tracking an American pilot reportedly kidnapped in neighboring Niger. These flights are part of a broader effort to gather actionable intelligence and support Nigerian authorities in their ongoing fight against violent extremist groups.
The resumption of flights followed a high level meeting in Washington between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The discussions focused on intensifying collaboration to counter the threat of jihadist terrorism and addressing reports of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Last Thursday night’s airstrike in Sokoto marked the first execution of US President Donald Trump’s pledge to take action against ISIS threats in the region. According to Trump, the strike targeted key ISIS positions and infrastructure, and he indicated that additional operations would follow to ensure that terrorist networks in Nigeria and the broader Sahel region are disrupted.
Security analysts note that these intelligence flights and targeted strikes underscore a significant escalation in international counterterrorism support for Nigeria, reflecting growing concern over the activities of ISIS affiliates and other militant groups. While the precise outcomes of the strikes are still being assessed, the coordinated operations demonstrate an unprecedented level of cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners in addressing a long standing security crisis.
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