Malik Yahya/
ABUJA — United States President Donald Trump has reportedly praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his “decisive leadership” in confronting terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump commended Tinubu’s determination to tackle the security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities, while pledging continued American support in the fight against 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, released on Wednesday by the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, underscores the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing security threats across West Africa.
Trump described the US-Nigeria relationship as critical at a time when terrorism and armed conflicts continue to spread across the region, noting that both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its manifestations.
According to the US President, the recently established US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a strong framework for expanding military collaboration between the two nations.
He disclosed that the United States had deployed its elite Special Operations Forces to train and support personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, providing them with advanced skills, intelligence, and operational tools needed to combat terrorists and safeguard lives and property.
“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.
The renewed commitment builds on security agreements reached by both leaders in November last year, when President Tinubu and President Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries.
The working group has since coordinated intelligence sharing, specialised military training and joint operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks operating within Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
One of the most significant outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of the group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his key lieutenants.
The growing security partnership also received a boost last week when the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for high-level discussions with senior Nigerian government officials, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in security and other strategic sectors.
Trump concluded his letter by expressing optimism about deepening bilateral engagements with President Tinubu throughout his administration.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he wrote.
The latest exchange between the two leaders signals a strengthening of diplomatic and military ties as both countries intensify efforts to confront terrorism and promote regional stability across West Africa.
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