By Cross Udo and David Lawani, Abuja
United States President, Donald Trump, has reaffirmed America’s commitment to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, renewing Washington’s security partnership with President Bola Tinubu.
He pledged stronger military cooperation to confront insurgents and other extremist groups threatening the country.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and released by the Presidency on Wednesday, Trump praised Tinubu’s leadership in tackling insecurity, particularly attacks on Christian communities, describing Nigeria as a critical strategic partner in the global campaign against terrorism.
The renewed commitment comes amid growing security collaboration between Abuja and Washington as both countries intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.
*Reaffirms US security support, lauds FG’s response to ‘violence against Christian communities’
“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,” Trump wrote.
He added, “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 disclosed that the renewed partnership is anchored on the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which has strengthened military collaboration between both countries through specialised training, intelligence support and joint operational planning.
He said the United States had deployed its elite Special Operations Forces to equip members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with advanced combat skills, intelligence capabilities and specialised tools required to confront terrorist groups and safeguard lives and property.
“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 and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack,” Trump stated.
He stressed that the United States remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace, adding that he looked forward to sustaining discussions with Tinubu throughout his Presidency.
The Presidency said security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States has deepened significantly since both leaders agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of the two countries.
The initiative has enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised military training and coordinated operations targeting terrorist cells operating in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the May 16 coordinated offensive against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, during which the terrorist group’s top commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his lieutenants were killed.
The latest diplomatic exchange also followed last week’s visit to Abuja by the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, who met with senior Nigerian officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in security, defence and other strategic sectors.
Officials said the renewed security pact reflects the shared resolve of both governments to intensify the fight against terrorism, strengthen regional security and deny extremist groups the space to operate within Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
With insecurity remaining one of the Tinubu administration’s biggest challenges, Trump’s latest endorsement is expected to reinforce defence cooperation between Abuja and Washington further as both countries pursue a common objective of degrading terrorist networks through enhanced military coordination, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained strategic engagement.
