Archive · 23 Dec 2025
US Intensifies Surveillance Flights Over Nigeria
The United States has been flying planes over Nigeria to gather information since late November.
These flights start from Ghana and are operated by a company called Tenax Aerospace.
The US is doing this to help Nigeria deal with violent groups like Boko Haram and to find a kidnapped American pilot.
The US president has also threatened military action if Nigeria doesn't stop violence against Christians.
Nigeria's president has declared a security emergency and is working with the US to improve security.
The US has also added Nigeria to a travel ban list and a list of countries that violate religious freedom.
The US has been conducting daily intelligence-gathering flights over Nigeria since late November, originating from Accra, Ghana.
The flights are operated by Mississippi-based Tenax Aerospace, using a Gulfstream V aircraft modified for surveillance.
The operations aim to gather intelligence on militant groups like Boko Haram and track down a kidnapped US pilot in Niger.
The US has threatened military action if Nigeria fails to address violence against Christians and has added Nigeria to a travel ban list.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu declared a security emergency and is working with the US to bolster forces against militant groups.
- Who
- United States, Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, Tenax Aerospace, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province
- What
- US conducting intelligence-gathering flights over Nigeria
- When
- Since late November, with daily flights since the start of the operation
- Where
- Flights originate from Accra, Ghana, and cover large parts of Nigeria
- Why
- To gather intelligence on militant groups, track down a kidnapped US pilot, and address religious violence and terrorism
- Countries Involved
- United States, Nigeria, Ghana, Niger
- Aircraft Operator
- Tenax Aerospace (Mississippi-based)
- Aircraft Type
- Gulfstream V (modified for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance)
- Flight Origin
- Accra, Ghana
- Key Militant Groups
- Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province
- US Military Base in Niger
- Sprawling, newly built air base in the desert
- US Travel Ban
- Nigeria added to the list of countries facing partial restrictions and entry limitations
- Nigeria's Security Emergency
- Declared by President Bola Tinubu to tackle worsening armed violence
