United States President Donald Trump has reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its ongoing fight against terrorism, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and promising deeper security cooperation between both countries.

The assurance was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, which was released by the Nigerian Presidency on Wednesday. In the letter, Trump commended Tinubu for what he described as his “decisive leadership” in confronting terrorism and violent extremism, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities across parts of Nigeria.

Trump said it was an honour for the United States to stand alongside Nigeria in the battle against terrorism, noting that both countries share a common objective of defeating extremist groups and restoring peace and stability across West Africa.

“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. 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.

Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Security Partnership

According to Trump, security cooperation between Washington and Abuja has entered a new phase under the 2026 U.S.-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which provides a framework for intelligence sharing, military training, operational coordination, and capacity building for Nigerian security forces.

He disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to train members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, equipping them with advanced skills, intelligence, and operational tools needed to combat terrorist organisations threatening the country.

Trump stressed that the United States would continue supporting Nigeria through military, diplomatic, intelligence, and financial measures aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating across the region.

Joint Operation Eliminated Senior ISIS Leader

Trump highlighted the success of the joint U.S.-Nigeria counter-terrorism operation carried out on May 16, 2026, in the Lake Chad Basin.

The coordinated operation resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki (also known as Abu-Mainok), a senior ISIS commander believed to have played a major leadership role within the Islamic State’s West African network, along with several of his lieutenants. The operation was described by both governments as a significant blow against ISIS operations in the region.

President Tinubu had earlier praised the operation, thanking the United States for its partnership and describing the successful mission as evidence of effective international collaboration against terrorism.

Continued Pressure on ISWAP

Security operations against terrorist groups have continued beyond the May operation.

In a separate development, reports indicate that Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) recently carried out precision drone strikes targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

The strikes reportedly killed more than 20 ISWAP militants, including a senior field commander, further weakening the terrorist group’s operational capabilities in Nigeria’s North-East.

Military analysts believe sustained aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes have significantly disrupted ISWAP’s ability to organise large-scale attacks, although security experts caution that the group remains capable of carrying out isolated assaults.

Focus on Regional Security

Trump noted that instability across West Africa makes close cooperation between the United States and Nigeria increasingly important.

He pledged that Washington would remain vigilant against jihadist threats and continue working with Nigerian authorities to prevent extremist groups from expanding their influence in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.

The renewed security partnership also follows recent meetings between senior U.S. and Nigerian officials aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on defence, intelligence sharing, and regional security challenges.

While the Nigerian government maintains that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, both countries say they remain committed to defeating terrorism in all its forms and improving the safety and security of communities across Nigeria.