United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his firm leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to deepening security cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation.
Trump conveyed the message in a letter dated July 6, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the letter, the US president praised Tinubu’s efforts to confront violent extremism, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities, and pledged continued American support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorist groups.
“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 that the United States stood firmly with Nigeria in its efforts to restore peace and security.
“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 stated.
The American leader described the relationship between both countries as increasingly important at a time when terrorism and armed conflicts continue to spread across West Africa and other regions.
According to Trump, Nigeria and the United States share a common objective of defeating terrorism and strengthening regional security.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world,” he said.
“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.”
US Special Forces Supporting Nigerian Military
Trump also highlighted the growing military partnership between both countries, revealing that elite United States Special Operations Forces have been deployed to support and train members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to him, the collaboration is aimed at improving Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism and safeguard its citizens.
Also Read: NDIC begins payment to depositors of 46 failed MfBs
“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,” Trump said.
He expressed optimism that both leaders would continue strengthening bilateral ties during his presidency.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he added.
The Presidency said Nigeria and the United States have significantly expanded their security collaboration in recent months through a Joint Working Group jointly coordinated by the National Security Advisers of both countries.
According to the statement, the partnership focuses on intelligence sharing, military training and coordinated operations against terrorist organisations operating within the region.
The Presidency disclosed that one of the outcomes of the collaboration was a coordinated military operation carried out on May 16 against suspected Islamic State hideouts around the Lake Chad region.
It claimed the operation resulted in the killing of a senior terrorist commander identified as Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his associates.
The statement also revealed that the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja, where he held discussions with top Nigerian government officials.
During the visit, Garcia reportedly reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other areas of strategic interest.