United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his “decisive leadership” in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly violence affecting Christian communities.
Trump conveyed the message in a letter dated July 6, 2026, which was released by the Presidency on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting 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 honor 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 the relationship between both countries as critical at a time when security threats have continued to spread across West Africa.
He noted that the recently established US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a strong framework for both countries to strengthen their joint efforts against terrorism.
“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,” the letter stated.
Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to train personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“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 said.
According to the Presidency, security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has expanded significantly 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 strengthen intelligence sharing, military training and joint operations against terrorist groups.
The Presidency added that one of the outcomes of the collaboration was a coordinated operation on May 16 in the Lake Chad region, which it said resulted in the killing of ISIS leader Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his lieutenants.
The statement also noted that US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic areas.
Trump concluded his letter by expressing optimism about continued engagement with President Tinubu throughout his administration.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he wrote.