The development comes against the backdrop of growing concern over militant violence and renewed diplomatic pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria.
According to flight tracking data and information from current and former U.S. officials, the surveillance flights began in late November and have continued almost daily.
According to flight tracking data and information from current and former U.S. officials, the surveillance flights began in late November and have continued almost daily.
The aircraft involved typically operate from Ghana, taking off from Accra before conducting missions over Nigerian airspace and returning to base.
Although U.S. authorities have not disclosed the specific objectives of the flights, analysts believe they are focused on gathering intelligence related to militant activity, kidnappings, and broader security threats in the region.
Although U.S. authorities have not disclosed the specific objectives of the flights, analysts believe they are focused on gathering intelligence related to militant activity, kidnappings, and broader security threats in the region.
Armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province remain active in parts of Nigeria, contributing to instability and civilian casualties.
The surveillance activity follows strong public statements by Trump, who in November threatened possible U.S. military intervention if Nigeria failed to halt attacks on Christian populations.
The surveillance activity follows strong public statements by Trump, who in November threatened possible U.S. military intervention if Nigeria failed to halt attacks on Christian populations.
While Nigerian authorities have rejected claims of religious persecution, insisting that violence affects both Christians and Muslims, the issue has strained diplomatic relations.
Nigeria’s population is roughly divided between Muslims, who are predominantly in the north, and Christians, who mainly reside in the south.
Nigeria’s population is roughly divided between Muslims, who are predominantly in the north, and Christians, who mainly reside in the south.
The government maintains that insecurity in the country is driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence rather than religious targeting. Nonetheless, Abuja has agreed to deepen intelligence cooperation with Washington to combat armed groups.
Security analysts say the flights are also significant in the context of shifting U.S. military strategy in West Africa.
Security analysts say the flights are also significant in the context of shifting U.S. military strategy in West Africa.
After Niger ordered American forces to leave a major drone base last year and strengthened security ties with Russia, the United States has been seeking alternative regional hubs. Ghana has increasingly played a central role in U.S. logistics and intelligence operations in the region.
Data indicates that the aircraft used in the missions is a modified Gulfstream V jet commonly adapted for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance purposes.
Data indicates that the aircraft used in the missions is a modified Gulfstream V jet commonly adapted for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance purposes.
The plane is reportedly operated by a U.S. defense contractor that works closely with American military agencies.
Sources familiar with the operation say the deployment also supports efforts to locate a U.S. pilot who was kidnapped earlier this year in neighbouring Niger while working for a missionary organization.
Sources familiar with the operation say the deployment also supports efforts to locate a U.S. pilot who was kidnapped earlier this year in neighbouring Niger while working for a missionary organization.
The kidnapping heightened concerns in Washington about the growing reach of extremist networks across the Sahel and West Africa.
U.S. officials have confirmed the flights but declined to provide details, citing diplomatic sensitivity.
U.S. officials have confirmed the flights but declined to provide details, citing diplomatic sensitivity.
The Pentagon has acknowledged holding productive discussions with Nigerian authorities following Trump’s remarks but has avoided commenting on intelligence matters.
Nigeria’s military leadership has not publicly addressed the surveillance flights, while Ghanaian defense officials have also remained silent on the issue.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency as violence escalated across several states.
The government has ordered mass recruitment into the armed forces and police to address worsening insecurity, including mass kidnappings and deadly attacks on civilians.
The United States has taken additional measures that have affected relations with Abuja. Nigeria was recently reinstated on a U.S. list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, and it has also been included among nations facing partial U.S. travel restrictions.
Despite diplomatic tensions, both countries continue to engage through a joint security framework aimed at intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations, and regional stability.
The United States has taken additional measures that have affected relations with Abuja. Nigeria was recently reinstated on a U.S. list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, and it has also been included among nations facing partial U.S. travel restrictions.
Despite diplomatic tensions, both countries continue to engage through a joint security framework aimed at intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations, and regional stability.