U. S. Eyes Nigeria from the Skies: A New Chapter in Security Cooperation

The U. S. has been keeping a close watch on Nigeria from above since late November. This isn't just any ordinary surveillance; it's a sign that the U. S. and Nigeria are teaming up more closely on security matters. But what exactly are they looking for? That's the big question. This surge in surveillance comes after President Trump's tough talk in November. He threatened to step in militarily if Nigeria didn't do more to protect Christian communities from violence. It's also worth noting that a U. S. pilot working for a missionary group was recently kidnapped in nearby Niger. The aircraft involved in these operations is operated by a U. S. contractor and typically takes off from Ghana, flies over Nigeria, and returns to Accra. Flight tracking data shows that the operator is Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based company that works closely with the U. S. military. Liam Karr, who analyzes flight data for the Critical Threats Project, points out that this operation is a sign of the U. S. rebuilding its presence in the region. This comes after Niger asked U. S. troops to leave a major air base last year and turned to Russia for security help. So, what's the U. S. hoping to achieve with these flights? One former official suggests they're looking for the kidnapped pilot and gathering intel on militant groups like Boko Haram. A current U. S. official confirmed the flights but kept mum on the details, citing diplomatic sensitivity.Meanwhile, Nigeria's government insists that armed groups target both Muslims and Christians. They've agreed to work with the U. S. to strengthen their forces against these militant groups. The country's population is split between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south. A Nigerian security source revealed that the U. S. agreed to deploy air assets to gather intelligence during a high-level meeting in November. The aircraft involved, a Gulfstream V, has been flying over Nigeria almost daily since the start of the operation. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu recently declared a security emergency and ordered mass recruitment in the army and police to tackle worsening violence. This move followed several attacks where civilians were killed and kidnapped, including the mass abduction of over 300 schoolchildren in the north. The U. S. has also taken steps to pressure Nigeria, adding it back onto a list of countries that violate religious freedom. This week, Nigeria was added to the U. S. travel ban list. Trump has even asked the Defense Department to prepare for possible military action if Nigeria doesn't do more to protect Christians.