United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his “decisive leadership” in confronting terrorism and violent attacks in Nigeria, pledging continued American support to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, but released by the Presidency on Wednesday, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to address the security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly attacks on Christian communities, describing it as an honour to partner with the Nigerian government in combating 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.”
The letter, made public by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, comes amid deepening security cooperation between Abuja and Washington as both countries seek to curb terrorism and insurgency across Nigeria and the wider West African regionTrump described the US-Nigeria relationship as increasingly important at a time when insecurity has spread across West Africa, saying both nations shared a common objective of defeating terrorism in all its forms.
According to him, the recently adopted US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a strong framework for expanding bilateral military collaboration.
The American president also disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to train Nigerian military personnel, providing them with intelligence, operational skills and other capabilities needed to confront terrorist groups.
“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 stated.
He added that he looked forward to further discussions with Tinubu throughout his presidency.
The Presidency said security ties between both countries had expanded significantly in recent months.
In November 2025, Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on security, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to coordinate intelligence sharing, specialised military training and joint counter-terrorism operations.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the May 16, 2026, coordinated operation against Islamic State fighters in the Lake Chad Basin, during which security forces reportedly killed the group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his lieutenants.
The collaboration has also received renewed diplomatic backing. Last week, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja, where he met senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic sectors.
Nigeria has continued to battle multiple security threats, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents in the North-East, armed banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central and separatist violence in parts of the South-East.
Successive administrations have sought greater international support through intelligence sharing, military training and defence partnerships to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Trump’s letter is the latest indication of growing security ties between Washington and Abuja as both governments seek to contain extremist violence and improve regional stability in West Africa.
