Unconfirmed reports suggest that the United States has intensified intelligence operations in Nigeria, deploying high-altitude surveillance assets to monitor the activities of terrorist groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
According to sources familiar with the development, a U.S. Department of War–operated RQ-4B Global Hawk drone has allegedly flown into Nigerian airspace on multiple occasions to conduct covert reconnaissance missions. The aircraft reportedly captured high-resolution images, videos and audio recordings of suspected militant hideouts deep inside forest enclaves across the country.
The sources claim the drone provides 24-hour surveillance, tracking communication links and translating intercepted conversations. Individuals, including security personnel and government officials allegedly connected to extremist networks, are also said to be under watch.
The United States has reportedly withheld certain intelligence from Nigerian security agencies due to fears of sabotage, despite an existing Nigeria–U.S. security cooperation agreement said to authorize direct UAV operations under AFRICOM supervision. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.
In a related development, the U.S. Senate recently confirmed Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson as commander of what sources describe as a more autonomous U.S. Africa Command structure, aimed at strengthening America’s response to emerging security challenges on the continent.
The sources further allege that U.S. Marines deployed to Nigeria have inserted undercover operatives into areas controlled by bandit groups, with plans underway to expand tracking activities to additional hotspots nationwide.
Security analyst Brant Philip, cited in the reports, stated:
> “I can confirm that the United States has begun conducting operations inside Nigeria as part of an agreement with the Nigerian government aimed at tackling escalating terrorism.”
As of press time, neither the Nigerian government nor U.S. authorities have issued any public statements confirming or denying the alleged operations.
