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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
United States President Donald Trump has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his “decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people,” saying in a July 6 letter that he stands with Nigeria in the fight against these terrorists and pledging continued US support to help make the country stronger and more prosperous.
The statement, released by the State House through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga yesterday, singled out Tinubu’s efforts to confront violence affecting Christian communities and welcomed the recently agreed US–Nigeria security cooperation.
“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. “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.”
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Trump described the US–Nigeria relationship as “crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world,” and pointed to the US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap as a framework for joint action. He said Washington had deployed United States Special Operations Forces 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.”
The statement recalled recent steps in the partnership, including the November agreement to establish a Joint Working Group co‑chaired by the national security advisers of both countries to coordinate training, intelligence sharing and joint operations. A major outcome of the collaboration was the coordinated May 16 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which the State House said resulted in the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al‑Minoki, and several lieutenants.
Last week’s visit to Abuja by the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, who met senior Nigerian officials and pledged to deepen cooperation in security and other areas, was also cited as evidence of growing ties.
“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,” Trump added, noting his eagerness “to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.”
