US-Nigeria Relations: Air Force Cooperation Deepened by AFRICOM General
In 2024, Major General Kenneth Ekman of AFRICOM played a key role in strengthening US-Nigeria airpower collaboration, with efforts including the Africa Partnership Flight hosted by Nigeria. This partnership focused on improving air force capabilities to tackle regional security challenges such as terrorism and disaster response. Significant developments included a $997 million proposed sale of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters and the planning of a 2026 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response exercise. Both nations emphasized mutual respect and shared objectives, reinforcing their partnership for enhanced regional and global security.
