Trump Writes Tinubu, Commends Efforts Against Insecurity, Reaffirms U.S. Support for Nigeria
By Facthabournews
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the Nigerian leader’s commitment to tackling terrorism and strengthening national security, while reaffirming the United States’ readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.
The commendation was conveyed in a letter dated July 6, 2026, which was made public by the Presidency through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Trump acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts in confronting terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism, particularly in areas where attacks have continued to threaten vulnerable communities.
In the letter, Trump thanked the Nigerian President for his earlier correspondence and praised what he described as Tinubu’s decisive leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
“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 stated.
The American President further expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to combat terrorism, noting that both countries have a shared responsibility to confront violent extremism and promote regional stability.
According to him, the long-standing partnership between the United States and Nigeria remains critical at a time when terrorism and transnational criminal activities continue to pose significant threats across West Africa and other parts of the African continent.
Trump stressed that closer collaboration between both countries would enhance intelligence gathering, improve military coordination and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian security agencies to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
The Presidency disclosed that security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is currently being strengthened under the U.S.–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, a strategic framework designed to improve military training, intelligence sharing, operational planning and defence collaboration between the two countries.
As part of the ongoing partnership, the statement revealed that United States Special Operations Forces have been deployed to train and support personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces in specialised counter-terrorism operations and other security-related missions aimed at improving operational effectiveness.
The statement also noted that both governments have intensified engagement through a Joint Working Group jointly coordinated by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States. The platform is expected to facilitate regular consultations, intelligence exchange and coordinated responses to terrorism and organised crime.
According to the Presidency, one of the outcomes of the enhanced cooperation was a coordinated security operation reportedly carried out on May 16, targeting suspected extremist hideouts in the Lake Chad Basin. The operation was said to have resulted in the elimination of a senior terrorist commander identified as Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his associates.
The statement added that the operation demonstrated the growing effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in confronting terrorist networks operating within the region.
In another indication of strengthening diplomatic ties, the Presidency disclosed that the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, recently visited Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials to discuss expanding cooperation in security, trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
Officials from both countries reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger strategic partnership capable of addressing shared security concerns while promoting peace, economic development and regional stability.
The latest exchange between Presidents Trump and Tinubu underscores the importance both governments attach to their bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of defence, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Observers say the renewed commitment by both nations reflects a growing recognition that stronger international partnerships are essential to tackling the complex security challenges facing Nigeria and the wider West African region.
