Trump writes Tinubu, praises Nigeria’s fight against terrorism

United States President, Donald Trump, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his resolve to solve the security problems in Nigeria, which includes the insecurity that has plagued Christian communities, terming it as a privilege to be on his side to fight the war against terrorism.

In a letter written to President Tinubu on July 6, 2026, the President of America says the ties between the United States and Nigeria have greatly improved recently because the two countries have collaborated in fighting terrorism and other security problems affecting West Africa.

The President of the United States praised President Tinubu for his resolve to fight insecurity.

“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 wrote.

He described the US–Nigeria partnership as increasingly important at a time when insecurity continues to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.

According to Trump, both nations share a common objective of defeating terrorism in all its forms, noting that the US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a strong framework for achieving that goal.

He also highlighted the deployment of elite United States Special Operations Forces to train members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, providing them with advanced skills, intelligence and operational support to strengthen the country’s fight against insurgency.

“I am proud to have deployed United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women of 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,” the letter stated.

Trump expressed optimism about sustaining close cooperation with Tinubu throughout his presidency, saying he looked forward to further engagements between both leaders.

The growing security partnership between Abuja and Washington followed the agreement reached by both presidents in November 2025 to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States.

The initiative focuses on intelligence sharing, military training and joint counter-terrorism operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating across the region.

One of the major successes recorded under the collaboration was the May 16, 2026, coordinated military operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of the group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several senior lieutenants.

The renewed partnership was further reinforced last week when US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja and held discussions with senior Nigerian government officials, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and other strategic sectors.