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The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations over Nigeria, following a series of airstrikes targeting Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State.
The renewed U.S. surveillance activity, reported on December 27, 2025, comes after a brief pause in operations and signals an ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts in the region.
According to terrorism analyst Brandon Philip, a U.S. aircraft was spotted over parts of northeastern Nigeria, including the strategic Sambisa Forest in Borno State, an area long associated with insurgent activities.
Flight-tracking data identified the aircraft as a Gulfstream V jet, which is commonly adapted for long-range ISR missions.
These operations are reportedly focused on monitoring the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a militant group that has been actively targeting communities across the North-East and Lake Chad Basin.
The surveillance missions reportedly resumed just a day after the airstrikes in Sokoto, suggesting a coordinated effort between U.S. intelligence and Nigerian security forces.
Since the start of these missions on November 24, U.S. aircraft have flown over Nigerian airspace almost daily, originating from Ghana, which serves as a logistics hub for U.S. military operations in West Africa.
The aircraft involved is connected to Tenax Aerospace, a firm known for providing specialized aviation services to the U.S. military.
Initial U.S. ISR operations in the region had multiple objectives, including tracking an American pilot kidnapped in neighboring Niger and gathering critical intelligence on militant groups operating in Nigeria.
The resumption of these flights follows high-level security discussions in Washington between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. During these talks, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Nigeria to address growing security threats posed by jihadist groups.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has since warned of continued violence in Nigeria and hinted at further military action beyond the Sokoto strikes.
According to Trump, the sustained U.S. engagement is designed to curb terrorist activities and provide actionable intelligence to Nigerian forces combating insurgency.
These ISR operations reflect a deepening of military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States amid rising security challenges in the North-East. By focusing on high-risk areas like the Sambisa Forest, the U.S. aims to support Nigerian efforts in disrupting the operational capabilities of ISWAP and other extremist groups.
The ongoing missions highlight both the strategic importance of regional intelligence collaboration and the global concern over the persistence of terrorism in West Africa.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to watch closely, with experts emphasizing the need for sustained surveillance, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action to ensure the safety of civilians and maintain regional stability.
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