Trump Hails Tinubu’s Leadership, Backs Nigeria’s Anti-Terror Fight

United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, describing his efforts to confront Nigeria’s security challenges as decisive and pledging America’s continued support in the fight against terrorism.

In a letter dated July 6, 2026, to President Tinubu, Trump commended the Nigerian leader’s determination to tackle insecurity, particularly attacks on Christian communities.

“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.

He added: “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 letter, released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, underscored the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.

According to Trump, both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism across West Africa and beyond, noting that the “historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework” to achieve that goal.

“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms,” he said.

Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to strengthen the capacity of 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 and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack,” he s
Wrote

He expressed optimism about sustaining engagement with the Tinubu administration, saying, “I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.”

The letter comes amid expanding security cooperation between Abuja and Washington. Last November, both presidents agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to coordinate training, intelligence sharing and joint operations against terrorist groups.

One of the outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his lieutenants.

The renewed partnership was further reinforced last week when the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja and pledged deeper cooperation with Nigeria on security and other areas of mutual interest.