By: Erewunmi Peace

Recent reports claim that the United States may be expanding its intelligence and surveillance activities over insurgent-controlled areas in Nigeria’s northeast, especially regions dominated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.

According to analysis from independent security trackers, a U.S. manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft was allegedly observed flying over key ISWAP strongholds close to the Lake Chad Basin. These flights, if confirmed, could indicate renewed international interest in monitoring extremist activities in the region.

The U.S. government has not issued any official statement confirming drone strikes or direct military operations inside Nigeria. However, the United States and Nigeria have a long history of cooperation—particularly in counter-terrorism training, intelligence sharing, and equipment support.

Security experts note that militant groups such as ISWAP have themselves increased their use of drones for surveillance, logistics, and propaganda in recent years, prompting concerns about a growing technological arms race in the conflict.

Nigerian defense officials have also not confirmed any joint U.S. kinetic operations but have welcomed broader international assistance in tracking and degrading extremist networks that threaten the Lake Chad region.

For now, the allegations of U.S. drone activity remain unverified, and neither Washington nor Abuja has released formal clarification. Analysts suggest that any confirmed increase in U.S. ISR operations could significantly enhance counter-terrorism capabilities in the area.