United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities, while reaffirming Washington’s support in the fight against terrorism.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu, Trump described it as an honour to stand with the Nigerian government in combating terrorism and strengthening the country’s security and prosperity.
“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 praised Tinubu’s determination to confront the country’s security challenges.
“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 stated.
Trump noted that relations between the United States and Nigeria had continued to strengthen, particularly in the area of security cooperation.
The United States–Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world.
“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,” he said.
The US president added that American Special Operations Forces had been deployed to train and support the Nigerian Armed Forces.
I am proud to have deployed United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women of 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.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my presidency,” Trump added.
The letter follows ongoing security cooperation between both countries.
In November 2025, Trump and Tinubu agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism efforts.
The partnership includes intelligence sharing, military training and joint operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
One of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation on May 16, which reportedly led to the killing of ISIS leader Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his associates in the Lake Chad area.
Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and other strategic sectors.
