US President Donald Trump
United States President Donald Trump has lauded his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, for his decisive leadership “on behalf of the Nigerian people to tackle the issues plaguing Nigeria, especially the violence affecting Christian communities.”
Following a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump conveyed the commendation in a letter dated July 6, 2026.
Trump disclosed in the letter that he had deployed US Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support Nigeria’s military in the fight against terrorism.
The US leader also described the bilateral security partnership as historic.
Below is the full text of the letter:
Dear Mr President,
“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 honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when 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.
“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.”
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump
President of the United States of America
