Trump Tells Tinubu: ‘It Is an Honour to Stand With Nigeria Against Terrorists

United States President Donald Trump has pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, describing the growing security partnership between Washington and Abuja as critical to addressing threats across West Africa.

Trump made the remarks in a letter addressed to President Tinubu dated July 6, 2026, where he commended the Nigerian leader’s efforts to confront security challenges affecting parts of the country, including violence targeting Christian communities.

The US president said it was an honour to work with Tinubu in the fight against terrorist organisations and expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation between both countries.

“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,” Trump said in the letter.

He noted that the relationship between the United States and Nigeria had grown stronger in recent times, with both countries working together on security, defence and intelligence matters.

According to Trump, the challenges posed by terrorism require greater international cooperation, adding that Nigeria and the US share a common objective of confronting extremist groups.

“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world,” he said.

“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 said the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to support Nigeria’s armed forces through training, intelligence sharing and capacity building.

He said the assistance was aimed at equipping Nigerian troops with the skills and resources needed to protect citizens and strengthen national security.

“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,” Trump stated.

The development comes as Nigeria continues efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.

The latest commitment follows increased security engagement between both countries, including the establishment of a Joint Working Group agreed by Trump and Tinubu in November 2025.

The group, co-chaired by the national security advisers of both countries, was created to strengthen collaboration in areas such as intelligence sharing, military training and coordinated counter-terrorism operations.

A major outcome of the cooperation was the reported May 16 coordinated operation against ISIS-linked militants in the Lake Chad region, which Nigerian and US officials said targeted key members of the extremist group.

The operation was part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist networks operating within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Trump’s message came shortly after a visit by US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, to Abuja, where he met with Nigerian government officials and pledged stronger cooperation between both countries.

The visit and Trump’s letter highlight Washington’s continued engagement with Nigeria as both countries seek to address insecurity and promote stability in the region.

For Nigeria, the renewed partnership comes at a time when the government faces pressure to deliver stronger results against terrorist groups, armed bandits and criminal networks threatening communities across the country.

The Tinubu administration has maintained that improved security cooperation, modern equipment and intelligence support remain central to its strategy of restoring peace and protecting citizens.