United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and addressing security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly the violence affecting Christian communities.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
According to the Presidency, President Trump conveyed his admiration in a letter dated July 6, 2026, in which he acknowledged President Tinubu’s determination to tackle the country’s security concerns and reaffirmed America’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
Trump noted that it was “a true honour” to stand with President Tinubu in confronting terrorist groups and working towards making Nigeria stronger, safer and more prosperous.
The Presidency said the commendation reflects the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the area of defence and security cooperation.
It recalled that both leaders had, in November last year, agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-headed by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States to deepen collaboration against terrorism.
Through the initiative, both countries have intensified cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within the region.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership, according to the statement, was the successful coordinated military operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS enclaves in the Lake Chad region. The operation reportedly resulted in the elimination of the group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his senior lieutenants.
The Presidency also highlighted recent diplomatic engagements between both countries, noting that the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he held high-level meetings with senior Nigerian government officials.
During the visit, Garcia reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria not only in security but also in other strategic areas of mutual interest.
President Trump’s latest message is seen as another indication of the strengthening bilateral relations between Abuja and Washington, with both nations expressing a shared determination to combat terrorism and promote regional stability across West Africa.
Full Text of President Donald Trump’s Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Dated July 6, 2026)
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
