Nigeria to allow armed US air marshals to be on some flights after failed airliner attack

Nigeria to allow armed US air marshals on flights

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria says it will allow armed U.S. air marshals on flights between the West African nation and the U.S. after the failed Christmas Day airliner bombing.

Aviation Minister Babtunde Omotoba says the government will sign an agreement with the U.S. to allow the federal agents on airplane. Omotoba said Wednesday that Nigeria will ask the U.S. to train Nigerian security agents to serve a similar role on other air carriers.

The U.S. has placed Nigeria on a list of 14 countries where passengers must undergo stricter security screening before boarding any U.S.-bound flight. The Nigerian man accused of trying to blow up the Detroit-bound plane on Christmas Day began his journey at Nigeria’s largest airport.