United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and other security challenges in Nigeria, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to confront insecurity, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.
“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people,” Trump wrote.
He added: “I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and it is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”
The US President described the Nigeria-United States relationship as critical at a time when security threats continue to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world, noting that both countries share a common objective of combating terrorism in all its forms.
Trump said the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has provided a strong framework for deepening military collaboration between both nations.
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He disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to train and support the Nigerian Armed Forces with the skills, intelligence and operational tools required to confront terrorist threats and enhance the protection of citizens.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack,” Trump stated.
He expressed optimism about sustained engagement with President Tinubu throughout his administration to advance shared security objectives.
The Presidency said Nigeria and the United States have strengthened security cooperation in recent months. In November 2025, Presidents Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate intelligence sharing, military training and joint counter-terrorism operations.
According to the statement, one of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation conducted on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his key lieutenants.
The renewed security partnership was further reinforced last week when the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja and held talks with senior Nigerian government officials, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic sectors.
