RismadarVoice Reporters
July 22, 2026
President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the fight against terrorism.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump lauded Tinubu’s efforts to confront insecurity and violence, expressing the United States’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in tackling terrorism.
“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, 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 letter was made public on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Trump described the relationship between the United States and Nigeria as critical at a time of increasing security threats across West Africa, noting that both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
According to him, the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a strong framework for enhanced security collaboration between the two nations.
The US President also disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to train members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, providing them with skills, intelligence and operational support to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat terrorism and protect citizens.
“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,” Trump stated.
He expressed optimism that discussions between both governments would continue throughout his administration to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The Presidency noted that security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has expanded significantly in recent months.
It should be recalled that in November last year, Presidents Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate efforts in intelligence sharing, military training and joint counterterrorism operations.
According to the statement, one of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the killing of the group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his commanders.
The statement also recalled that the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in security and other strategic sectors.
