United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in combating terrorism, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, released by the State House on Wednesday, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to address insecurity and protect Nigerians, particularly communities affected by terrorist violence.
The US president described Tinubu’s leadership as decisive and said it was an honour for the United States to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
Trump noted that both countries share a common goal of eliminating terrorism and stressed that the US-Nigeria relationship has become increasingly important as security threats continue to spread across West Africa.
He said the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a strong framework for enhanced collaboration in tackling terrorism and other security challenges.
According to the State House, security ties between Abuja and Washington have expanded significantly in recent months. In November 2025, both governments agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to boost intelligence sharing, military training and joint counterterrorism operations.
The partnership recorded a major success on May 16 when coordinated Nigerian and US operations targeted ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, resulting in the death of the group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his commanders.
Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed elite Special Operations Forces to support the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced training, intelligence and operational capabilities aimed at strengthening national security and protecting vulnerable communities.
He expressed confidence that both countries would continue to deepen discussions and cooperation throughout his presidency.
The State House further revealed that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he met senior Nigerian officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation on security and other strategic areas.
The statement was issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.