Amid renewed security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, US President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in the fight against terrorism, describing his efforts as decisive.
The American president said Nigeria and the United States share a common goal of confronting terrorism, pledging continued cooperation to strengthen security and make Nigeria more prosperous.
In a statement issued by the State House on Wednesday, President Trump said in a letter to Tinubu dated July 6, 2026, that he applauded the Nigerian leader’s resolve to address security challenges, particularly violence affecting Christian communities.
“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,” he said.
Trump said the US-Nigeria relationship was crucial at a time conflicts were spreading across West Africa and other parts of the world, adding that both countries shared the goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
He also pointed to the 2026 US-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap as a framework for strengthening security collaboration between both countries.
The US president said Washington had deployed Special Operations Forces to support the Nigerian military with training, equipment and intelligence needed to protect citizens and counter terrorist threats.
The State House said relations between Abuja and Washington had strengthened in recent times, with both countries working closely in tackling security challenges affecting parts of Nigeria.
In November last year, Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the national security advisers of both countries to deepen cooperation through intelligence sharing, training and joint operations against terrorist groups.
A major outcome of the partnership was the May 16 coordinated attack on ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area, which reportedly led to the killing of the group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his lieutenants.
Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja, where he held meetings with senior government officials and pledged to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in security and other areas.