US President Donald Trump has commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in combating terrorism and protecting Christian communities from violence.
Trump conveyed the praise in a letter dated July 6, 2026, whose contents were released on Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the message, Trump lauded Tinubu’s resolve against insecurity.
“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 relationship as vital amid spreading conflicts in West Africa.
“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, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat,” the US leader added.
Trump highlighted the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to support Nigerian troops.
“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 stated.
According to the Nigerian Presidency, bilateral security ties have deepened through a Joint Working Group focused on training, intelligence sharing and joint operations.
One reported success was a May 16 strike against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region that killed the group’s leader Abubakar Al-Minoki and several lieutenants.
Trump said he looked forward to continued discussions during his presidency.
