JUST IN: Why US Surveillance Aircraft Are Flying Over Nigeria Daily

JUST IN: Why US Surveillance Aircraft Are Flying Over Nigeria Daily

The United States has been carrying out intelligence-gathering surveillance flights over large areas of Nigeria since late November, according to flight tracking data and current and former US officials.

The flights, operated by Mississippi-based Tenax Aerospace, signal closer security cooperation between the two countries amidst heightened diplomatic tensions.

The purpose of the flights is unclear, but they follow threats made by US President Donald Trump to intervene militarily in Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution.

The aircraft, a Gulfstream V business jet, has flown over Nigeria almost daily since November 24, tracking data shows.

The US government has held productive meetings with Nigerian officials, but declined to discuss intelligence activities.

Nigeria’s government says armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, and US claims oversimplify a complex security situation.

The two countries have since established a joint security task force.