United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and addressing insecurity in Nigeria, according to a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump commended Tinubu’s efforts to tackle security challenges, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
“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 honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”
The letter was made public on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Trump described the US-Nigeria relationship as increasingly important amid growing security challenges across West Africa, saying both countries share a common objective of combating terrorism.
According to the US president, the two nations’ 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a framework for expanded military collaboration.
He also said the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to train and support the Armed Forces of Nigeria with intelligence, equipment and operational skills aimed at strengthening the country’s counterterrorism 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,” Trump stated.
The Presidency said security cooperation between Abuja and Washington has intensified in recent months. It recalled that both leaders agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate training, intelligence sharing and joint operations against terrorist groups.
According to the statement, one of the major outcomes of the collaboration was a coordinated operation on May 16 targeting ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the killing of the group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his lieutenants.
The Presidency also noted that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he met with senior Nigerian officials and pledged to deepen cooperation between both countries in security and other strategic areas.
Trump concluded his letter by expressing optimism about continued engagement with President Tinubu throughout his presidency, saying he looked forward to further discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing shared security objectives. Authority.
