United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people, while reaffirming America’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump praised Tinubu’s determination to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities.
“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. 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,” Trump wrote.
The letter, made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the growing partnership between Nigeria and the United States in combating terrorism and promoting regional security.
Trump described the US-Nigeria relationship as crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and other parts of the world, noting that both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
He also referenced the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, describing it as a robust framework for expanding collaboration between the two nations.
According to the US President, the deployment of United States Special Operations Forces has helped equip personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, intelligence and tools required to combat terrorism and enhance the protection of citizens.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” Trump added.
The letter comes amid growing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington. In November last year, both countries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States to enhance intelligence sharing, training and joint operations against terrorist groups.
One of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his commanders.
Last week, the United States 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.
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