The Presidency has disclosed that United States President Donald Trump has written to President Bola Tinubu, commending his leadership and reaffirming America’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts in addressing insecurity and confirmed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support Nigerian troops in counterterrorism operations.
In the letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump described the partnership between both countries as historic and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration against terrorism.
“Dear Mr President, 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,” Trump wrote.
He added that the United States stands with Nigeria in confronting terrorism and strengthening national security.
“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,” the letter stated.
Trump noted that the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap had established a framework for deeper security cooperation between both countries.
He revealed that American Special Operations Forces had been deployed to equip Nigerian security personnel with the skills, intelligence and resources required to combat terrorist groups effectively.
The letter also highlighted the growing strategic importance of the US-Nigeria relationship amid rising insecurity across West Africa.
According to the Presidency, the defence roadmap was developed following the establishment of a Joint Working Group by both governments in November 2025 to strengthen intelligence sharing, military cooperation and counterterrorism operations.
The statement referenced a joint military operation conducted in the Lake Chad Basin on May 16, 2026, during which ISWAP deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and about 40 of his lieutenants were reportedly killed.
It also noted that the Defence Headquarters had confirmed the killing of approximately 175 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters since the commencement of joint operations.
The Presidency said recent engagements between senior US and Nigerian officials further demonstrate the strengthening security partnership between both countries.
Nigeria has battled insurgency for more than a decade, with attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP and bandit groups resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, particularly across the North-East.
While the United States has cited attacks on Christian communities as one of the reasons for deepening military cooperation, the Federal Government maintains that terrorism in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims alike.
