Defense and Security
Trump Pledges Support for Tinubu, Says It’s an ‘Honour to Stand With You’ Against Terrorism
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly violence affecting Christian communities, saying it is an “honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists.”
In a letter to President Tinubu dated July 6, 2026, Trump said the US–Nigeria relationship has grown stronger, with both countries working closely on security and other key areas.
“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 wrote.
The US President noted that the bilateral relationship is crucial “at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world,” adding that both nations share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
Trump disclosed that the US has deployed Special Operations Forces to Nigeria under the historic US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap. The deal, he said, is designed to equip the Armed Forces of Nigeria with skills, tools and intelligence to protect citizens, “particularly those of faith who have been under attack.”
“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,” he said.
The letter comes months after Trump and Tinubu agreed in November 2025 to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries. The group has coordinated training, intelligence sharing and joint operations against terrorist groups.
A major outcome of the collaboration was a coordinated May 16 strike on ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area, which resulted in the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several commanders.
Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, was in Abuja where he met senior government officials and pledged to strengthen cooperation between Washington and Abuja in security and other areas.