Abuja, Nigeria – July 23, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and restoring peace in Nigeria, while reaffirming America’s commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump thanked President Tinubu for his correspondence and commended his determination to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly attacks on 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 highlights the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in combating terrorism across West Africa.
President Trump noted that both countries share a common objective of defeating terrorism in all its forms and described the 2026 US-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap as a strong framework for achieving that goal.
He also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to train and equip personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced skills, intelligence, and operational capabilities to enhance national security and protect citizens.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” Trump added.
The commendation follows a series of intensified security collaborations between both nations. In November 2025, Presidents Trump and Tinubu agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate intelligence sharing, military training, and joint counter-terrorism operations.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the May 16, 2026 coordinated operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly eliminated the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his key commanders.
The growing cooperation was further reinforced last week when US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, pledging deeper collaboration in security and other strategic sectors.
The letter was made public by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on July 22, 2026, underscoring the continued strengthening of diplomatic and security ties between Abuja and Washington.
