Donald Trump pledges solidarity with Tinubu in battling extremist groups, saying 'it's a privilege to join forces against terrorism

Donald Trump, the American president, has expressed admiration for President Bola Tinubu's determination to address the challenges facing Nigeria, particularly the violence targeting Christian communities, and has stated that it is an honour to support his administration in combating terrorism.

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In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump noted that the relationship between the US and Nigeria has grown stronger, with the two nations collaborating closely on key issues, especially in addressing security challenges in parts of Nigeria.

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Trump praised Tinubu's commitment to tackling the country's problems, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and emphasized that it is a true honour to stand with him in the fight against terrorists and to contribute to making Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.

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The letter from Trump to President Tinubu began with an expression of gratitude for Tinubu's thoughtful letter and appreciation for his leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.

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Trump's letter highlighted the significance of the US-Nigeria relationship, especially during a time of widespread conflict in West Africa and globally, and emphasized the shared goal of combating terrorism in all its forms.

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The US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, a historic agreement, has established a framework for achieving this goal, and Trump expressed pride in deploying US Special Operations Forces to equip the Nigerian Armed Forces with the necessary skills, tools, and intelligence to protect the homeland and ensure citizen safety.

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Trump looked forward to continued discussions with Tinubu during his presidency, building on their previous agreements, including the establishment of a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the national security advisers of Nigeria and the US in November last year.

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The Joint Working Group has led to several key steps, including training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to combat terrorist activities, with a notable success being the coordinated attack on ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area on May 16, which resulted in the killing of the group's top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and many of his lieutenants.

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Last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja, meeting with senior government officials and pledging to strengthen cooperation between Abuja and Washington, DC, in security and other areas.