BREAKING: Trump writes Tinubu, commends fight against terrorism, pledges continued US support

United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu’s determination to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities, describing it as an honour to stand alongside his administration in the fight against terrorism.

In a letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu, Trump said relations between the United States and Nigeria have grown stronger in recent times, with both countries working closely to tackle terrorism and other security threats confronting West Africa.

The US President praised Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to confronting insecurity, especially 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.

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.