United States President Donald J. Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership “on behalf of the Nigerian people,” particularly in addressing security challenges in Nigeria.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu, President Trump expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle issues affecting communities across the country.
“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 letter stated.
President Trump noted that the United States-Nigeria relationship remains important amid security challenges in West Africa and globally.
He referenced the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which he said provides a framework for joint efforts to confront terrorism.
According to the letter, the United States has deployed Special Operations Forces to support training and capacity building for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in 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,” Trump wrote.
The two leaders had in November 2025 agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-headed by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States.
Through the group, both countries agreed on areas of cooperation including training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.
Officials cited the May 16, 2026 coordinated operation in the Lake Chad area as an example of ongoing collaboration, which they said led to the targeting of an ISIS hideout.
Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for meetings with senior government officials.
During the visit, he pledged to strengthen cooperation between Abuja and Washington, D.C. in security and other areas.
President Trump concluded the letter by expressing his expectation of continued discussions with President Tinubu over the course of his presidency.
The letter underscores the current focus of US-Nigeria relations on security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and broader bilateral engagement.
Full text of the letter dated July 6, 2026:
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 where 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 the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in 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.”
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America
