Christian Persecution: ‘It’s an Honour to Stand With You Against Terrorists,’ Trump Tells Tinubu Insecurity: US, Nigeria Agree on Security Framework – Presidency — US President applauds Tinubu’s determination to confront Nigeria’s security challenges
By Frontline Reporters
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the violence targeted at Christian communities, declaring that it is an honour to stand with the Nigerian leader in the global fight against terrorism.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu, Trump praised the Nigerian President’s decisive leadership and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Abuja on security, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism operations.
According to Trump, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria has continued to flourish, with both nations collaborating closely to confront growing security threats across West Africa and beyond.
“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 American President described the US–Nigeria partnership as critical at a time when conflict and extremism continue to spread across the region and other parts of the world.
He noted that the recently established US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a robust framework for combating terrorism in all its manifestations.
“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,” Trump stated.
He further disclosed that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces—described as among the most elite military units globally—to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria with training, intelligence and operational capabilities aimed at safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities.
“I am proud to have deployed United States Special Operations Forces to equip the brave men and women of 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,” he added.
Trump also expressed optimism about continued engagement with President Tinubu throughout his administration, saying he looked forward to sustaining discussions on matters of mutual interest.
The correspondence comes amid increasing security cooperation between both countries. In November 2025, Presidents Trump and Tinubu agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to deepen strategic collaboration.
Through the initiative, both nations have expanded cooperation in intelligence gathering, military training and coordinated operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks operating within the region.
One of the notable outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated May 16, 2026 operation against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad Basin, which reportedly led to the elimination of the terrorist group’s leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several of his key commanders.
Meanwhile, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he held talks with senior Nigerian government officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in security, trade and other strategic sectors.
The Presidency described the growing partnership between Nigeria and the United States as a significant milestone in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to restore peace, strengthen national security and foster sustainable development across the country
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