Fresh indications have emerged that the United States has intensified intelligence-gathering activities over Nigeria, amid persistent insecurity challenges and shifting security dynamics across West Africa.
Flight tracking records reviewed by international observers show that contractor-operated aircraft linked to the US have been flying surveillance missions across large swathes of Nigerian airspace since late November. The development suggests a renewed focus by Washington on Nigeria’s security situation, even as diplomatic sensitivities linger.
Although the exact objectives of the flights remain unclear, analysts say the operations point to closer security engagement between both countries at a time when regional threats are becoming more complex. The surveillance comes against the backdrop of recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who had warned of possible intervention over what he described as the Nigerian government’s inability to curb violence, particularly against Christian communities.
The flights are also understood to follow the abduction of a US pilot working with a missionary group in neighbouring Niger, an incident that further heightened Washington’s security concerns in the region.
Data from December indicate that the aircraft typically takes off from Accra, Ghana, flies across Nigerian territory and returns to the Ghanaian capital. The plane is reportedly operated by Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based firm known for providing special mission aircraft and maintaining close ties with the US military.
Liam Karr, Africa team lead at the Critical Threats Project of the American Enterprise Institute, said analysis of the flight patterns suggests the operations are coordinated from Accra, a long-established logistics hub for US military activities in Africa.
“In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights over Nigeria,” Karr said, noting that the move reflects a broader effort by Washington to rebuild its intelligence footprint in the region.
He added that the renewed focus follows the decision by Niger to expel US forces from a major air base last year, opting instead to deepen security cooperation with Russia. Analysts believe this shift has compelled the US to rethink its regional strategy, with Nigeria once again occupying a central position.
