US Conducting Surveillance Flights Over Nigeria After Trump’s Intervention Warning
The United States has begun conducting regular surveillance flights over Nigeria as part of an expanded security cooperation effort following recent threats by President Donald Trump to intervene over attacks targeting Christian communities.
Flight tracking records and U.S. officials indicate that contractor-operated aircraft have been flying over Nigeria since late November, typically departing from Ghana before returning to Accra. The missions are believed to focus on intelligence gathering related to militant activities and the search for an American pilot kidnapped in neighboring Niger earlier this year.
The aircraft, operated by Mississippi-based company Tenax Aerospace, has been observed conducting near-daily reconnaissance flights. Analysts say the operation suggests Washington is rebuilding its security presence in West Africa after U.S. troops were expelled from Niger last year.
A U.S. official confirmed the flights but declined to share operational details, citing diplomatic sensitivity. Another administration source said Washington continues to work with Nigerian authorities to counter terrorism and address religiously motivated violence.
The renewed cooperation follows a November 20 meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, during which the two sides reportedly agreed to increase intelligence collaboration. Nigerian officials have said they are working to combat armed groups that target both Muslim and Christian communities.
Nigeria has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to rising kidnappings, militant attacks, and mass abductions, including the recent kidnapping of more than 300 schoolchildren. Meanwhile, the U.S. reinstated Nigeria on its religious freedom violations list and imposed new travel restrictions, signaling growing pressure on Abuja to take stronger action.
Despite tensions, both nations have established a joint task force to strengthen coordination against militant threats as insecurity continues to destabilize Africa’s most populous country.