What You Need to Know
The Nigerian government has announced the successful resolution of recent diplomatic disputes with the United States, stating that relations have entered a new phase of “trust and maturity.” This comes amid reports of increased U.S. intelligence flights over Nigeria since November, indicating a strengthening of security cooperation between the two nations.
Africa. The Nigerian government has announced that it has successfully resolved recent diplomatic disputes with the United States, confirming that relations between the two countries have entered a new phase of “trust and maturity.” This announcement comes as reports reveal that the U.S. has intensified intelligence flights over Nigerian territory since November.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated at a press conference in Abuja that the tensions affecting bilateral relations have been addressed through “constructive dialogue based on mutual respect,” leading to deeper understandings and a stronger partnership between the two nations.
Idris also revealed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for health cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, valued at $5.1 billion over five years, describing the agreement as “the largest joint investment under the Global Health First strategy” adopted by Washington.
American Reconnaissance Flights
However, alongside this thaw in relations, flight tracking data and American reports indicate that the U.S. has been conducting near-daily intelligence flights over extensive areas of Nigeria since late November, signaling a strengthening of security cooperation between the two countries.
According to Reuters, the aircraft used in these operations are operated by the American company Tenax Aerospace, typically taking off from the Ghanaian capital, Accra, before returning there after flying over Nigerian territory.
American sources confirmed that these operations follow threats from President Donald Trump to intervene militarily in Nigeria due to what he described as “its failure to stop violence against Christian communities,” in addition to the recent kidnapping of an American pilot in neighboring Niger.
Nigerian security sources indicated that the agreement to deploy U.S. aerial assets for intelligence gathering was reached during a meeting between Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on November 20.
This development comes as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency last month, ordering the military and police to begin extensive recruitment to combat rising armed violence and kidnapping, including the abduction of more than 300 students in the northern part of the country.
Nigeria and the United States have had a complex relationship, marked by periods of tension and cooperation. Recent diplomatic disputes were largely fueled by security concerns and differing approaches to issues such as violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. The recent agreement to enhance cooperation reflects a mutual interest in addressing these challenges and fostering a more stable partnership.
