By Peace Udugba
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and addressing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly violence affecting Christian communities.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump praised Tinubu’s commitment to confronting terrorism and reaffirmed the United States’ support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen national security.
“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.”
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Admviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the US-Nigeria partnership has deepened in recent months, with both countries strengthening cooperation in security, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism operations.
The statement noted that President Trump and President Tinubu agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries. The initiative has led to enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised military training and joint operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
One of the key outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area,m
which reportedly resulted in the death of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his commanders.
The statement also recalled that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic sectors.
In his letter, President Trump described the relationship between the United States and Nigeria as vital, particularly at a time when insecurity continues to affect parts of West Africa.
“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 further stated that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to train and support the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced skills, intelligence and operational capabilities needed to combat terrorism and safeguard 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 wrote.
The US President expressed optimism about continued collaboration with President Tinubu throughout his administration, pledging sustained support for Nigeria’s security and stability.
