U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his “decisive leadership” in tackling terrorism and violence targeting Christian communities across Nigeria.
The commendation was contained in an official letter from Washington dated July 6, 2026, and made public on Wednesday in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
Trump applauded President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to resolve security challenges, noting that it is a “true honour to stand with his administration in the fight against terrorists.”
The U.S. President highlighted the deployment of elite U.S. Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and assist the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the bilateral US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.
The letter emphasized a mutual commitment to confronting terrorism throughout West Africa, aiming to foster a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
”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… We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms.” Donald Trump noted.
The official correspondence reflects a significant deepening of defense ties between Abuja and Washington following the adoption of the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap earlier this year. Nigerian authorities noted that the joint framework focuses on high-level intelligence sharing, tactical military training, and target deployment to neutralize violent extremist organizations operating across the West African region.
