United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting vulnerable communities, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Trump conveyed the commendation in a letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu and made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the letter, the US President described Tinubu’s efforts to confront insecurity as decisive and pledged continued cooperation between both countries in addressing terrorism and regional instability.
“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 comes amid growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States under the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, an agreement aimed at strengthening military collaboration, intelligence sharing, training and counterterrorism operations.
Trump disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces, including the elite Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security threats.
“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 US leader described the security partnership between both countries as historic, noting that both nations share a common objective of confronting terrorism across West Africa and beyond.
According to him, the strategic partnership has become increasingly important at a time when extremist violence and instability continue to threaten parts of the region.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms,” Trump said.
The letter marks one of the strongest public endorsements of Tinubu’s security policies by a foreign leader and comes as Nigerian troops continue intensified operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups across the North-East and North-West.
In recent months, Nigeria and the United States have expanded defence cooperation through joint training programmes, intelligence exchange and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of Nigerian security forces.
Security analysts say the growing partnership reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role in regional security and efforts to contain terrorism within the Lake Chad Basin and wider West African sub-region.
Trump expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, pledging continued engagement with the Tinubu administration throughout his presidency.
“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he added.
The Presidency said the letter underscores the strengthening diplomatic and security ties between Abuja and Washington, as both countries deepen collaboration on defence, economic growth and regional stability.
