US President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership on security, reaffirming America’s commitment to strengthening counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria
Trump Praises Tinubu’s Security Efforts, Announces Deeper US-Nigeria Counterterrorism Partnership
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, pledging Washington’s continued support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s commitment to confronting insecurity, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.
“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 added, “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.”
Trump said the United States and Nigeria share a common objective of confronting terrorism as insecurity continues to spread across West Africa.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms,” he said.
According to the US president, the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has provided a strong framework for expanding bilateral security collaboration.
He also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian military.
“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.
Expressing optimism about the growing partnership, he said, “I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.”
The letter highlights the expanding security relationship between Abuja and Washington. Last November, both countries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to coordinate intelligence sharing, military training and joint counterterrorism operations.
The collaboration has already yielded operational results, including the reported May 16 joint operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several senior commanders.
The renewed partnership was further reinforced last week when US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja and pledged deeper cooperation with Nigeria on security and other areas of mutual interest.
