United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and addressing security challenges in Nigeria.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump commended Tinubu’s commitment to tackling the country’s security concerns, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities, while reaffirming Washington’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
“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,” he added.
Trump described the US-Nigeria relationship as critical at a time when security challenges have intensified across West Africa, noting that both countries share a common objective of combating terrorism in all its forms.
He said the 2026 US-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap has provided a strong framework for deepening bilateral security cooperation, including the deployment of United States Special Operations Forces to train and support the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to Trump, the elite military units are helping to equip Nigerian troops with the skills, intelligence and resources needed to protect the country and safeguard vulnerable communities.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” the US President stated.
Security cooperation between Abuja and Washington has expanded significantly in recent months. In November last year, Presidents Trump and Tinubu agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate counterterrorism efforts through intelligence sharing, training and joint operations.
One of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region.
According to the Presidency, the operation resulted in the killing of the terrorist group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his lieutenants.
The growing partnership was further reinforced last week when the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for meetings with senior Nigerian government officials. During the visit, Garcia pledged continued cooperation between the United States and Nigeria in security and other areas of mutual interest.
The letter from President Trump was made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.