US Increases Surveillance Over Nigeria Following Trump’s Threats – Report

The United States has stepped up its monitoring of Nigeria after recent remarks by former President Donald Trump raised concerns. Intelligence-gathering flights have reportedly been carried out across various regions of Nigeria, highlighting Washington’s growing attention to the country’s escalating security problems.

Sources indicate that these surveillance missions began in late November and are part of wider efforts to track terrorism, kidnappings, and religious violence in the country. While the exact goals of the operations have not been publicly confirmed, the timing coincides with Trump’s earlier warning of potential US military intervention.

Trump had accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christian communities from attacks, sparking diplomatic responses and reigniting debate over the country’s security situation and religiously motivated violence.

Flight records show that the aircraft typically operate out of Ghana, flying over Nigerian territory before returning to Accra. The company responsible, Tenax Aerospace, is a US-based operator known for special mission aircraft linked to American military operations.

Security experts note that using Accra as a base is strategic, as the city serves as a key logistics hub for US military activities across Africa. Analysts suggest these operations indicate a renewed effort by the US to strengthen intelligence capabilities in West Africa, especially after Niger limited American forces and moved closer to Russia.

Observers also point out that militant activity in northern Nigeria, including groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, likely informs the focus of these flights. The aircraft are believed to track movements of armed groups and monitor potential cross-border threats.

US officials have quietly confirmed the presence of surveillance flights but declined to provide specifics, citing diplomatic sensitivities and security concerns. Some sources also mention that the missions may help track a kidnapped American pilot previously taken in the region.

Washington maintains that it continues to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to address terrorism and religious violence. Despite this, Nigerian officials have rejected claims that attacks are solely targeting Christians, emphasizing that both Muslims and Christians have been affected. They argue that the crisis is driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminal networks rather than religious motives alone.

A Nigerian security source revealed that both nations agreed on intelligence cooperation during a high-level meeting in November, which included the deployment of air assets for surveillance purposes. The aircraft reportedly used is a modified Gulfstream V jet, known for its long-range surveillance capabilities.

This development comes as Nigeria grapples with increasing security threats, including deadly attacks, mass kidnappings, and school abductions across several northern states. In response, President Bola Tinubu recently declared a state of security emergency and initiated large-scale recruitment into the country’s armed forces and police.