Trump breaks silence, sends powerful message to Tinubu

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation.

In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to confront violent extremism, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.

“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, “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 US president described relations between Abuja and Washington as increasingly important amid rising security threats across West Africa, saying both countries share a common objective of defeating terrorism.

According to Trump, the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a solid framework for expanding collaboration between both countries in combating insurgency and violent extremism.

“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms,” he stated.

Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to support Nigeria’s armed forces with specialised training, intelligence and operational capabilities.

“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world, to equip the brave men and women in 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,” he said.

The letter highlights growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States under the Tinubu administration.

According to the Presidency, both leaders agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, military training and joint counter-terrorism operations.

One of the major outcomes of the collaboration, the Presidency said, was the coordinated May 16 operation against Islamic State hideouts in the Lake Chad region, during which Abubakar Al-Minoki, identified as a top ISIS leader, and several of his lieutenants were reportedly killed.

The statement also noted that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he held discussions with senior Nigerian officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation in security and other strategic sectors.

Trump concluded his letter by expressing optimism about sustained engagement with President Tinubu during his tenure.

“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he wrote.