New allegations have intensified questions surrounding security collaboration between the United States and Nigeria, following claims that American reconnaissance planes have entered Nigerian territory. These reports emerge just days after initial suggestions that Washington is planning unmanned aerial strikes against extremist groups operating within Nigeria’s borders.
The most recent allegations originated from Brant Philip, an analyst who monitors militant activity across the Sahel region. Through posts on social media platform X, Philip asserted that a crewed American intelligence gathering aircraft flew over territories controlled by the Islamic State West Africa Province near Lake Chad’s southwestern banks in Borno State on Saturday. According to Philip, the plane departed from Ghana’s capital, Accra.
“This confirms what I reported previously, a crewed American reconnaissance plane conducted surveillance operations today above ISWAP-held areas,” Philip stated, sparking heated online discussions.
Philip followed up on Sunday, reporting that the same surveillance plane had made a third consecutive appearance, performing repeated passes over what he identified as ISWAP’s “Mantiqah Krinwa” stronghold situated along Lake Chad’s periphery.
These surveillance reports build upon earlier assertions—also traced to a source referenced by Philip, suggesting Washington intends to launch drone strikes on Nigerian soil through a newly established but confidential security pact. The alleged agreement would reportedly permit only unmanned aircraft for offensive operations, specifically prohibiting the deployment of American combat jets or heavy bombers.
The undisclosed source further indicated that American military forces would primarily focus on filling intelligence and surveillance capability shortfalls for Nigerian troops, utilizing both piloted and unpiloted aircraft. Additionally, Niger State’s Kainji Air Base—which houses Nigeria’s Super Tucano A-29 fleet—was mentioned as a potential staging area for American operations, though official verification remains absent.
Philip went on to allege that the Pentagon has already initiated reconnaissance missions launching from American military installations in Ghana, penetrating Nigerian airspace without any public acknowledgment from Abuja.
The allegations triggered immediate criticism. Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential advisor, condemned Philip for irresponsibly disclosing sensitive operational information that could potentially benefit ISWAP militants.
These developments follow recent high-level discussions between U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in Washington, where they addressed terrorist threats and escalating violence against Christian populations.
To date, neither Nigerian nor American government officials have issued statements confirming or refuting the reported surveillance flights or drone strike preparations.
Nigeria meanwhile grapples with an escalating wave of abductions, extremist violence, and armed banditry, fueling public concern as uncertainty grows regarding the extent of foreign military engagement occurring outside public scrutiny.
