United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, expressing support for the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen national security.
The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, and made public by the Presidency on Monday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the letter, Trump acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts to confront insecurity, particularly violence affecting Christian communities, and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism 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,” 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 Nigeria as a critical strategic partner, noting that cooperation between Abuja and Washington has become increasingly important amid growing security concerns across West Africa.
According to Trump, both countries remain committed to combating terrorism through the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which he said provides a framework for enhanced military collaboration and intelligence sharing.
He also disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to support the Nigerian Armed Forces through specialised training, intelligence and operational capacity-building.
“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,” the letter stated.
The Presidency said security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has expanded in recent months through a Joint Working Group established by Presidents Tinubu and Trump.
The working group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, coordinates efforts on intelligence sharing, military training and joint operations aimed at tackling terrorist activities.
According to the Presidency, one of the outcomes of the collaboration was a coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in the Lake Chad region, during which Abubakar Al-Minoki, identified as a senior ISIS leader, and several of his associates were killed.
The statement also recalled that the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on security and other strategic issues.
Trump concluded his letter by expressing optimism about continued engagement with President Tinubu throughout his administration, saying he looked forward to further discussions aimed at deepening the partnership between both countries.
The letter was signed by President Donald J. Trump.
