In an official letter dated July 6, 2026, US President Donald Trump commended President Bola Tinubu's leadership and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to standing with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. The correspondence, addressed to Tinubu, underscored the deepening of joint security operations between Washington and Abuja.
Trump Applauds Tinubu's Resolve
Trump wrote: “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.” He further praised Tinubu's efforts to address violence affecting Christian communities, stating: “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.”
US-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap
The bilateral push is backed by the historic US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which Trump described as a robust framework for confronting terrorism. He noted: “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.” Trump highlighted the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to equip Nigerian troops with skills, tools, and intelligence. He added: “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.”
Joint Working Group and Operational Success
The military assistance expands on agreements reached in 2025 to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries. This tactical partnership focuses on intelligence sharing, advanced training, and tactical coordination. It has already produced major operational successes, including a coordinated strike on May 16, 2026, targeting ISIS strongholds in the Lake Chad basin. The operation eliminated senior commander Abubakar Al-Minoki and several high-ranking lieutenants, demonstrating the effectiveness of the collaboration.
Trump emphasized the importance of the US-Nigeria relationship, stating: “The United States–Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world.” He concluded by expressing anticipation for continued discussions during his presidency.
