LAGOS, Nigeria — The United States has begun conducting military operations in Nigeria under a security agreement aimed at tackling escalating terrorism, according to claims made by a security expert.
Brant Philip, an expert who shared the information on X, stated that a U.S. aircraft had conducted reconnaissance flights for three consecutive days over Borno State, a hotbed for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Lake Chad.
“The US aircraft carried out reconnaissance in Borno State, taking off from Accra, Ghana, and targeting ISWAP territory near Lake Chad,” Philip wrote.
He had previously suggested that the U.S. Department of War was conducting operations in western Nigeria from Ghana without public authorization, hinting at a possible secret agreement between the two nations. Philip added that the U.S. may utilize the Kainji Air Base in Niger State to launch unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) airstrikes against terrorist targets.
The claims come shortly after a Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with U.S. officials in November to discuss joint efforts in combating terrorism and stopping violence against Christians. This meeting followed Nigeria’s rejection of the U.S. designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian persecution.
Neither the Nigerian government nor the U.S. has officially confirmed the alleged operations. A prior threat of military action by President Donald Trump had sparked controversy.
Meanwhile, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad criticized Philip for disclosing sensitive intelligence, arguing the information could benefit terrorist groups.
Ahmad said Philip’s actions could put national security at risk. “This is highly sensitive information that could benefit ISWAP,” he said.
