President Donald Trump has reaffirmed US Nigeria cooperation on security, praising President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address terrorism and violence affecting parts of the country. In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump described it as an honour to support Tinubu’s administration in confronting terrorist threats, highlighting the growing security partnership between both nations.
The letter underscored the importance of bilateral relations at a time when security challenges continue to affect West Africa. Trump said the United States and Nigeria have strengthened collaboration in recent years through coordinated initiatives aimed at improving regional stability, particularly in counterterrorism operations. The correspondence followed sustained engagement between both governments on defence and security matters.
Trump commended Tinubu’s leadership and acknowledged the Nigerian government’s efforts to confront violence affecting Christian communities. The American president wrote: “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 when 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 United States Special Operations Forces, among the most elite military units anywhere in the world, to equip the brave men and women of 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.”
The current framework for US Nigeria cooperation builds on agreements reached in November last year, when Trump and Tinubu established a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the national security advisers of both countries. The initiative focuses on military training, intelligence sharing and joint operations designed to counter terrorist activities across affected regions.
According to information released on the collaboration, one of its notable outcomes was the May 16 coordinated operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area. The operation reportedly resulted in the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his lieutenants, reflecting ongoing joint efforts to weaken terrorist networks.
The security partnership has continued to receive diplomatic attention. Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja, where he met senior Nigerian government officials and pledged to strengthen cooperation between Abuja and Washington, DC, across security and other strategic areas. The continued engagements indicate that US Nigeria cooperation remains a central component of bilateral relations as both governments pursue coordinated responses to regional security challenges.
