The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights over Sambisa Forest in Borno State, days after airstrikes targeted suspected ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto.
Sahel terrorism analyst Brant Philip disclosed the development on Saturday, confirming flight-tracking data that showed a Gulfstream V aircraft operating over Nigeria’s north-east. The jet is believed to be a modified ISR platform used for monitoring militant activity.
According to analysts, the aircraft has been flying almost daily since November 24, taking off from Ghana, which serves as a regional logistics hub.
It is reportedly linked to Tenax Aerospace, a U.S. special mission aircraft contractor. Sources say the flights are being used to track militant movements and support intelligence efforts, including the case of a kidnapped American pilot in neighbouring Niger Republic.
The renewed operations follow recent meetings between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington.
President Donald Trump described the Sokoto airstrikes as the “first fulfillment” of U.S. support against extremist groups and warned that “more strikes would follow.” Officials suggest surveillance could expand if threats continue.