United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu for his handling of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, with a special focus on attacks targeting Christian communities.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, made public on Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump described Tinubu’s leadership as decisive.
“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and 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.”
Trump said the US-Nigeria partnership has grown more important as conflict spreads across West Africa. He pointed to the 2026 US-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap as the framework guiding joint efforts against terrorism.
The US President also confirmed the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to support the Nigerian military.
“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,” he said.
According to the Presidency, security cooperation has expanded in recent months under a Joint Working Group led by the National Security Advisers of both countries. The group focuses on intelligence sharing, military training, and coordinated operations.
One result, the statement said, was a joint operation on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region. Nigerian and US forces reportedly killed the group’s senior leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several commanders.
The Presidency added that US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, was in Abuja last week for talks with senior Nigerian officials. He pledged to deepen cooperation in security and other strategic areas.
Trump closed by saying he looks forward to continued discussions with Tinubu during his presidency.
