Trump Commends Tinubu’s Leadership, Reaffirms U.S. Support in Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Fight
By: Zagazola Makama
United States President Donald Trump has commended 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 bilateral security cooperation.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and released by the Presidency on Wednesday, Trump praised Tinubu’s resolve to address the security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.
“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.
The U.S. President described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as crucial at a time when terrorism and armed conflicts have continued to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.
According to him, both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms through the U.S.-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which provides a framework for enhanced military collaboration.
Trump said the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria with advanced training, intelligence, and operational capabilities aimed at improving the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
“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,” he stated.
The letter comes amid growing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
In November 2025, Presidents Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing, military training, and joint counterterrorism operations.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16, 2026, against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his senior commanders.
The renewed cooperation was further reinforced last week when U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for high-level engagements with Nigerian government officials, during which both countries pledged to expand 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.
