By : Ike Philip Abiagom
United States President, Donald J. Trump, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment and determination in tackling terrorism and other security challenges confronting Nigeria, while reaffirming America’s support for a stronger security partnership with Africa’s most populous nation.
The commendation was contained in a letter written by President Trump to President Tinubu and disclosed by the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
In the letter dated July 6, 2026, President Trump praised Tinubu’s leadership and resolve in addressing insecurity, particularly the violence affecting communities across the country. He described it as an honour to stand alongside Nigeria in the global fight against terrorism and efforts aimed at making the country safer, stronger and more prosperous.
According to Trump, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria remains critical at a time when security threats continue to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world. He emphasized that both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms and promoting regional stability.
The American President also highlighted the importance of the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which he said provides a solid framework for enhanced military collaboration between both nations.
As part of the growing partnership, Trump noted that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to assist Nigerian security agencies through specialized training, intelligence sharing and capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian military personnel, expressing confidence that the enhanced cooperation would further improve the country’s ability to protect its citizens and secure vulnerable communities.
The Presidency said Trump’s remarks underscore the deepening strategic relationship between Abuja and Washington, especially in the areas of defence, intelligence and counter-terrorism operations.It recalled that both leaders had earlier agreed to establish a Joint Working Group led by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States to coordinate anti-terrorism efforts and strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
Through the initiative, both countries have reportedly intensified military collaboration, intelligence exchange and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin and other troubled regions.
One of the significant achievements of the partnership, according to the Presidency, was the successful joint military operation carried out on May 16, 2026, against ISIS-linked terrorist enclaves in the Lake Chad region. The operation reportedly led to the elimination of notorious terrorist commander Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his top associates.
The statement further noted that diplomatic engagements between both nations have continued to expand. Recently, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja and held high-level discussions with senior Nigerian officials on security, economic cooperation and regional development.
Observers say President Trump’s message reflects growing international recognition of President Tinubu’s efforts to restore peace and stability across Nigeria, while also demonstrating the increasing importance of US-Nigeria relations in addressing emerging security threats in West Africa.
With both nations reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional peace, analysts believe the strengthened partnership could further enhance security cooperation, intelligence sharing and military preparedness in the years ahead.