FRESH controversy has erupted over the nature of U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation following new claims that American surveillance aircraft have begun flying reconnaissance missions inside Nigerian airspace, just days after reports alleged that the United States is preparing for unmanned drone strikes against terrorist targets in the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the latest claims were made by Brant Philip, a senior Sahel conflict observer who tracks insurgents groups across West and Central Africa.
In a series of posts on X, Philip alleged that a manned U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft flew multiple missions this weekend over Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) strongholds around the southwestern shores of Lake Chad in Borno State.
According to him, the aircraft reportedly took off from Accra, Ghana, before entering Nigerian airspace on Saturday.
“Confirming my earlier reports, three manned U.S. ISR aircrafts were conducting reconnaissance earlier today over ISWAP territory,” he posted, an update that sparked heated debate among the Nigerian public.
On Sunday, Philip claimed the same aircraft returned for a third consecutive day, circling repeatedly over Mantiqah Krinwa, a notorious ISWAP enclave at the Lake Chad fringes.
The reports amplified earlier claims, also circulated through a source referenced by Philip that Washington is preparing UAV (drone) strikes inside Nigeria under a new but undisclosed security arrangement.
According to the alleged agreement, only unmanned systems would be authorized for kinetic operations, with no involvement of U.S. fighter jets or bombers.
The anonymous source further asserted that the U.S. military’s role would be primarily to help Nigerian forces close critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance gaps, using both manned and unmanned platforms.
As part of that support, Kainji Air Base in Niger State, where Nigeria operates the A-29 Super Tucano fleet was described as a potential hub for U.S. operations, though no official confirmation has surfaced from either government.
Philip also alleged that the U.S. Department of Defence referred to in his posts as the “Department of War” had already begun flying reconnaissance missions from American military facilities in Ghana into Nigerian airspace, with no public communication from the federal government.
But the claims have triggered criticism and warnings. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad accused Philip of recklessly publicizing sensitive operational details that could compromise counterterrorism efforts and embolden ISWAP fighters.
The allegations gained further traction after U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in Washington for high-level talks on growing terrorist threats and escalating attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.
Despite mounting speculation and rising public anxiety, both the Nigerian government and U.S. officials have stayed silent, offering no confirmation or denial regarding ISR flights or possible drone strike preparations.
But a source in the Office of the National Security Adviser, who spoke to News Point Nigeria on condition of anonymity, said it was merely a surveillance and mapping mission carried out by the UAVs, adding that there would be no strike for now, at least not yet.