BREAKING: It’s a True Honor To Stand With You – Trump Writes Tinubu Over Anti-Terrorism Efforts
United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism in Nigeria, saying it was “a true honor” to stand with the Nigerian leader in the fight against terrorists.
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 applauded his efforts to address insecurity, particularly attacks on 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. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and it is a true honor 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 said the relationship between Nigeria and the United States remained important at a time when insecurity had spread across West Africa and other parts of the world. He noted that both countries shared the common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
According to Trump, “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, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat.”
He also highlighted the role of the United States in supporting Nigeria’s security efforts, revealing that elite US Special Operations Forces had been deployed to train Nigerian troops and strengthen their 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. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,” he added.
The letter comes as security cooperation between both countries continues to deepen. In November last year, President Tinubu and President Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-headed by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to coordinate training, intelligence sharing and joint operations against terrorist groups.
One of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which resulted in the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and several of his commanders.
The renewed partnership also follows recent security successes by Nigerian authorities.
Earlier this month, the Nigerian Army announced the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
The military said the victims were freed during a coordinated operation involving 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, local vigilantes and other security agencies.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that all the victims were rescued alive, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and no ransom was paid. President Tinubu also directed that the rescued pupils and teachers receive medical treatment, counselling and other support while vowing that those responsible for the killings linked to the abduction would be brought to justice.
