United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as strong leadership in dealing with Nigeria’s security problems, especially the violence affecting Christian communities.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump told Tinubu: “It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said ties between Nigeria and the United States have grown stronger in recent months, with both countries working together in major areas, particularly security.
The statement recalled that in November last year, Trump and Tinubu agreed to set up a Joint Working Group led by the National Security Advisers of both countries. Through the group, the two nations agreed on measures such as training, intelligence sharing and joint operations to push back terrorist activities.
It added that one of the biggest outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region. The attack resulted in the death of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his lieutenants.
Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja, where he met senior government officials and promised deeper cooperation between Abuja and Washington DC on security and other areas.
The full text of Trump’s July 6, 2026 letter reads:
“Dear Mr President,
“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. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and it is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.
“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, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat.
“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. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.”
“Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America.”
