The Presidency has released the full details of a letter from United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu, in which the American leader praised Tinubu’s efforts against terrorism and expressed support for Nigeria’s campaign to end violent attacks on Christian communities.
The letter, dated July 6, 2026, was made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said it reflects the growing strategic security partnership between Abuja and Washington.
In the correspondence, Trump commended President Tinubu for what he described as his “decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people”, particularly in confronting insecurity and terrorism across the country.
According to Trump, Tinubu’s determination to tackle the violence affecting Christian communities demonstrated his commitment to restoring peace and stability in Nigeria.
“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 honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” the US President wrote.
Trump said the United States considers its relationship with Nigeria increasingly important at a time when terrorism and violent extremism continue to threaten stability across West Africa and beyond.
He noted that both countries share a common commitment to confronting terrorism in all its forms, adding that the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has created a strong framework for deepening bilateral security cooperation.
The American President disclosed that the United States had deployed its elite Special Operations Forces to assist the Armed Forces of Nigeria through advanced military training, operational support and intelligence sharing.
“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,” Trump stated.
The Presidency said the letter underscores the rapid expansion of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in recent months.
According to the statement, President Tinubu and President Trump agreed in November 2025 to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts
The initiative has since facilitated enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised military training and joint operational planning aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin.
A major milestone of the partnership came on May 16, 2026, when Nigerian and US security agencies coordinated an operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area.
The Presidency said the offensive resulted in the elimination of ISIS commander Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his senior lieutenants, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organisation’s activities in the region.
The statement also highlighted last week’s visit to Abuja by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia.
During meetings with senior Nigerian government officials, Garcia reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, defence and other strategic sectors.
The Presidency said Trump’s letter reflects the United States’ continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to defeat terrorism, protect vulnerable communities and promote regional stability.
The correspondence comes amid sustained military operations against terrorist groups, bandits and other armed criminal organisations operating in parts of northern Nigeria, as the Tinubu administration continues to seek stronger international partnerships to enhance the country’s security architecture.
The letter was signed by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, and released to the public by the Presidency on July 22, 2026, through Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.