US President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, expressing the United States’ commitment to strengthening security cooperation between both countries.
In a letter to President Tinubu dated July 6, 2026, Trump commended the Nigerian leader’s efforts to address security challenges, particularly violence affecting 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,” Trump said.
The US president said Washington was committed to supporting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
“It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” he added.
According to the Presidency, the US-Nigeria security partnership has expanded in recent times, with both countries collaborating on intelligence sharing, training and joint efforts to combat terrorist groups.
The cooperation followed the establishment of a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to coordinate measures against security threats.
The Presidency said a major outcome of the collaboration was a coordinated operation on May 16 targeting ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which resulted in the death of the group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his commanders.
Trump said the US-Nigeria relationship remained important as conflicts continue to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.
“We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat,” he said.
He also disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to assist Nigerian troops with training, equipment and intelligence support.
“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,” Trump stated.
The development comes amid renewed security cooperation between Abuja and Washington, with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, recently visiting Abuja to discuss stronger collaboration in security and other areas.