United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump commended Tinubu’s commitment to tackling terrorism and pledged continued American support.
“I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities,” Trump wrote.
Describing Nigeria as a key strategic partner, the US President said it was “a true honour” to stand with Tinubu in the fight against terrorism and in efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
Trump stressed that the US-Nigeria relationship has become increasingly important as insecurity spreads across West Africa, noting that both countries share a common objective of defeating terrorism in all its forms.
He highlighted the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap as a major framework driving closer military collaboration between both nations.
According to Trump, the United States has deployed its elite Special Operations Forces to train and equip Nigerian troops with advanced skills, intelligence and operational tools needed to combat terrorist threats and protect vulnerable communities.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces… 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,” he said.
The letter comes amid growing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
The News Chronicle recalled that last November, Presidents Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, jointly led by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to deepen collaboration through intelligence sharing, military training and joint operations.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly eliminated the group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his lieutenants.
The momentum continued last week when US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic sectors.
Trump concluded his letter by expressing confidence in sustained engagement with Tinubu throughout his presidency, saying he looked forward to strengthening the partnership between both nations.
