US Resumes Surveillance Flights Over North-East Nigeria After Sokoto Airstrikes

The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations over Nigeria’s north-east, focusing on militant activity in the Sambisa Forest, days after airstrikes on ISIS fighters in Sokoto State.

The development was disclosed on Saturday by Sahel-focused t+rrorism tracker Brant Philip, who shared flight-tracking data showing a US aircraft operating over Borno State. According to the data, the aircraft was a Gulfstream V — a long-range jet often modified for ISR missions.

“The United States resumed ISR operations today on ISWAP in the Sambisa forest, Borno State in northeast Nigeria, after a pause of one day following the strikes in Sokoto State,” Philip wrote on X. He explained that Saturday’s operation targeted the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the ISIS affiliate active mainly in Nigeria’s north-east and the Lake Chad basin.

Flight-tracking records reviewed by open-source analysts show that the US began its current ISR missions over Nigeria on November 24, with aircraft taking off from Ghana, a key logistics hub for the American military in West Africa.

The same aircraft, linked to Tenax Aerospace, a US special mission aircraft provider, has reportedly flown over Nigeria almost daily since then. Sources familiar with the operation said the flights are aimed at monitoring militant groups and tracking an American pilot k+dnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic.

The renewed US activity comes weeks after Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s threats of military intervention.

Following the meeting, Hegseth said the US would work “aggressively” with Nigeria to end what he described as the “persecution of Christians by jihadist t+rrorists.”

Thursday night’s airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, reportedly targeting ISIS-linked militants, were described by Trump as the “first fulfillment” of that pledge. “More str+kes would follow,” the US President warned.

UN Condemns Maiduguri Mosque Suicide Bombing, Urges Enhanced Security As Insecurity Persists In Borno

The United Nations has strongly condemned a suicide bomb attack on a mosque at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, which occurred on Wednesday evening during prayers and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The attack has intensified fears over the persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s North-East region, particularly during the festive season.

In a statement issued on Christmas Day, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the incident as a grave assault on civilians and a direct violation of freedom of worship. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Borno State Government, and residents of the state, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Fall joined Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in condemning the “heinous attack” and echoed the governor’s call for heightened vigilance and stronger security measures during the festive period and beyond. He warned that the bombing was part of a disturbing pattern of violent attacks recorded in Borno State in 2025, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.

Recalling previous deadly incidents, including the September 5 attack on Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area where over 50 civilians were killed, the UN official highlighted the continued use of suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices, and targeted assaults against communities, displaced persons, farmers, traders, and travellers.

Reaffirming the UN’s stance, Fall urged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians and respect international humanitarian and human rights laws. He assured that the United Nations would continue to support government efforts and provide humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the ongoing conflict in north-east Nigeria.