ABUJA – United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and other security challenges in Nigeria, describing the Nigerian leader’s efforts as crucial to restoring peace, stability and prosperity in the country.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump praised Tinubu’s determination to tackle issues affecting Nigeria, particularly the violence targeting Christian communities, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
“It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” Trump stated in the correspondence released by the Special Adviser to President on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
The American leader noted that, the relationship between Nigeria and the United States has become increasingly important at a time when insecurity and violent extremism continue to threaten several countries across West Africa and beyond.
Trump said both nations share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms and pointed to the recently established US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap as a strategic framework for deepening security collaboration.
He also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to assist Nigerian troops through training, intelligence support and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
According to him, the partnership is designed to equip members of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the skills, tools and intelligence required to protect the nation and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The commendation comes amid growing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington. In November last year, both leaders agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States to coordinate efforts against terrorism and other transnational threats.
The collaboration has since led to enhanced intelligence sharing, military training and joint operations. One of its major successes was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of the terrorist group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several senior fighters.
Further underscoring the growing partnership, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja and held talks with senior Nigerian officials, where he reiterated Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic sectors.
The latest exchange between both presidents highlights the strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability across the region.
