Trump Salutes Tinubu’s Anti-Terrorism Drives, Pledges Continued Support
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and addressing insecurity in Nigeria, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Abuja.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and made public on Wednesday by the Presidency, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities.
“I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people,” Trump wrote. “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.”
The U.S. President described the bilateral relationship between the two countries as critical at a time when terrorism and armed conflicts continue to threaten stability across West Africa and other parts of the world.
He noted that the U.S.-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a robust framework for deepening collaboration in combating terrorism and strengthening regional security.
According to Trump, the United States has deployed Special Operations Forces to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria through specialised training, intelligence support and capacity building aimed at improving the country’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
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“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 also reaffirmed the U.S. administration’s commitment to sustaining high-level engagements with Nigeria throughout Trump’s presidency.
The Presidency said security cooperation between both countries has expanded significantly in recent months.
It recalled that President Tinubu and President Trump agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries to strengthen collaboration in intelligence sharing, military training and coordinated counter-terrorism operations.
According to the statement, one of the major outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated operation conducted on May 16 against Islamic State hideouts in the Lake Chad region, during which the group’s senior leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his commanders were reportedly killed.
The Presidency also highlighted the recent visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, to Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials and reiterated Washington’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in security and other strategic sectors.
The statement, signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the renewed collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both countries to confronting terrorism and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
By PRNigeria
