Trump Commends Tinubu Over Anti-Terrorism Efforts, Pledges Continued US Support

United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s efforts to combat terrorism, describing it as an honour to stand alongside Nigeria in confronting security threats.

The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6 and addressed to President Tinubu. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s leadership and determination to address insecurity, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities.

In the letter, Trump said the United States remained committed to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen regional security and defeat terrorism.

“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 stated.

He noted that the relationship between both countries had become increasingly important as insecurity continues to spread across parts of West Africa and other regions of the world. Trump also referenced the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, describing it as a solid framework for advancing joint counterterrorism operations.

The US president disclosed that American Special Operations Forces had been deployed to help train members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, providing them with specialised skills, intelligence and operational support to improve national security and protect vulnerable communities.

Security cooperation between both nations has expanded in recent years despite criticism from some American lawmakers, who previously accused Nigeria of failing to adequately protect Christian communities from extremist violence. The Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations of genocide.

Military collaboration has yielded notable results. In May, Nigerian and US forces carried out a joint operation in the Lake Chad region that reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS in the area, along with several senior commanders.

Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, later revealed that although many American troops had been withdrawn following the operation, intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation with Nigeria would continue.

Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian officials. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation through a joint working group focused on security and other areas of mutual interest.