By Opeyemi Adelakun
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s efforts to combat terrorism, describing it as “a true honour” to stand with Nigeria in the fight against violent extremism.
The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the letter, Trump thanked Tinubu for his earlier correspondence and praised the Nigerian leader’s determination to confront the country’s security challenges, particularly attacks on 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, 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,” Trump wrote.
The US President described the Nigeria-United States relationship as vital at a time when insecurity continues to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.
According to him, both countries share a common commitment to confronting terrorism, with the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap providing a strong framework for enhanced military collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint security operations.
Trump also disclosed that elite United States Special Operations Forces have been deployed to train members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, equipping them with advanced skills, operational tools and intelligence to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
He expressed confidence that both nations would continue to deepen their security partnership during his administration.
Joint security operations record successes
The letter comes amid growing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following the establishment of a Joint Working Group in November last year. The initiative, jointly led by the National Security Advisers of both countries, coordinates intelligence sharing, military training and counter-terrorism operations.
One of the major achievements of the partnership was the May 16 operation in the Lake Chad region, where security forces reportedly killed ISIS leader Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his commanders.
The renewed collaboration also coincides with recent security gains recorded by Nigerian authorities.
Earlier this month, the Nigerian Army rescued 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
The operation involved the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and other security agencies.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said all the victims were rescued alive, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and no ransom was paid. He added that President Tinubu had directed that the rescued victims receive medical care, counselling and other support, while assuring Nigerians that those responsible for the abduction and related killings would be prosecuted.
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