United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, while reaffirming America’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation.

The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, disclosed on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the Presidency, the letter underscores the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States amid increasing security challenges across West Africa.

Femi Otedola Raises First HoldCo Stake To 21.95% With ₦77.6 Billion Share

In the letter, President Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to confront terrorism, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities, and pledged continued American support in the fight against extremist groups.

“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.”

Trump described the Nigeria-United States relationship as critical at a time when armed conflicts and terrorism continue to threaten peace and stability across West Africa and beyond.

According to him, both countries share a common objective of defeating terrorism through the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which he said has created a solid framework for enhanced military collaboration.

The US President also disclosed that United States Special Operations Forces had been deployed to train personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, providing them with advanced skills, intelligence and operational support to combat terrorism and safeguard Nigerian citizens.

“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,” Trump stated.

The Presidency further disclosed that Nigeria and the United States have strengthened bilateral security cooperation through a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries. The collaboration focuses on military training, intelligence sharing and coordinated counter-terrorism operations.

According to the statement, one of the major outcomes of the partnership was a coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against suspected Islamic State hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly led to the killing of senior terrorist commander Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his lieutenants.

The Presidency also revealed that US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja, where he held discussions with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security and other areas of mutual interest.

The latest development highlights the deepening strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify efforts to combat terrorism, strengthen regional security and enhance military collaboration.