The United States has stepped up its military focus on Nigeria’s security landscape, shifting attention to the Sambisa Forest after recent airstrikes on terrorist positions in Sokoto State.
Fresh intelligence operations are currently underway over the expansive forest in Borno State, long regarded as a major stronghold for insurgent groups in the North-East.
The ongoing operation involves high-altitude aerial surveillance aimed at tracking movements and gathering critical intelligence within the region.
A security analyst, Brant Philip, disclosed the development in a post on X, where he shared flight-tracking data indicating the presence of a high-altitude aircraft operating within Borno airspace.
According to the data, the aircraft — identified as a Gulfstream V — is typically deployed for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The flight pattern reportedly showed repeated movements around locations associated with insurgent activity, suggesting a focused monitoring effort.
Philip noted that the operation is specifically targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), one of the most active terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.
ISWAP has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in the North-East, targeting civilians, military formations, and critical infrastructure.
The Sambisa Forest has remained a strategic hub for insurgent groups due to its vast expanse and difficult terrain, which have continued to provide cover for militant operations.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
