By Our Reporter
United States President, Donald Trump, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.
Trump conveyed the commendation in a letter dated July 6, 2026, to President Tinubu, in which he reaffirmed America’s commitment to deepening security cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the US President praised Tinubu’s determination to confront the security challenges facing the country.
“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.
“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 noted that relations between the United States and Nigeria have continued to grow stronger, particularly in the area of security cooperation, as both countries confront the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa.
He described the bilateral relationship as crucial at a time when insecurity has spread across the region, stressing that both nations share a common objective of defeating terrorism in all its forms.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat,” he said.
Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to support the Nigerian Armed Forces with specialised training, intelligence and operational capabilities aimed at strengthening the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“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,” the letter stated.
The American leader expressed optimism that both countries would continue to strengthen their partnership throughout his administration.
The Presidency recalled that President Trump and President Tinubu, in November last year, agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries to deepen defence and intelligence cooperation.
According to the statement, the partnership has resulted in enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised military training and coordinated operations against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
It noted that one of the major successes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his key lieutenants.
The Presidency also highlighted last week’s visit to Abuja by the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, during which he held discussions with senior Nigerian government officials and pledged to further strengthen cooperation between Washington and Abuja in security and other strategic areas.
