United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his strong commitment to tackling terrorism and ending violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, reaffirming Washington’s support for the country’s security efforts.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump commended Tinubu’s leadership, saying it was an honour for the United States to partner with Nigeria in confronting terrorism and strengthening the country’s security.
According to the American President, the relationship between both countries has grown stronger in recent months, particularly in the areas of defence cooperation, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism operations.
“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.
“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,” Trump wrote.
He described Nigeria as a strategic partner of the United States at a time when insecurity continues to spread across West Africa, stressing that both nations share a common objective of defeating terrorism in all its forms.
Trump said the recently established US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a solid framework for expanding security collaboration between both countries.
He disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to work alongside the Nigerian Armed Forces by providing advanced military training, intelligence and operational support aimed at improving Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.
“I am proud to have deployed United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women of 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,” the letter stated.
Trump also expressed optimism that both leaders would continue discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing security cooperation.
The latest correspondence follows the decision by both leaders in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing, military training and joint counter-terrorism operations.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts around the Lake Chad region, during which security forces reportedly eliminated the group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his key commanders.
The renewed commitment to security cooperation also comes days after the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja, where he held discussions with senior Nigerian government officials and pledged continued collaboration between both countries in security and other strategic sectors.
