Isaac Samuel
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling insecurity, reaffirming America’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, released on Wednesday by the Presidency, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities, and pledged continued cooperation between both countries.
The letter was made public in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga
“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. 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.
The US President described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and other parts of the world, noting that both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
He said the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has provided a robust framework for deepening security collaboration.
Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to train and equip personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with intelligence, operational skills and tools needed to combat terrorism and protect 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,” he stated.
He added that he looked forward to sustaining discussions with Tinubu throughout his presidency.
According to the Presidency, security ties between Abuja and Washington have strengthened considerably in recent months.
It recalled that in November last year, Trump and Tinubu 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 operations against terrorist groups.
The Presidency said one of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his lieutenants.
It also noted that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation on security and other strategic areas.
