‘It is a true honour to stand with you’ — Trump commends Tinubu over fight against terrorism
US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu commending his leadership in the fight against terrorism, particularly regarding the protection of Christian communities. The letter highlights a 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap and the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to assist Nigerian security efforts.
Why it matters
The communication underscores a shift in US-Nigeria security relations and the prioritization of counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.
US President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle terrorism in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday that Trump’s commendation of Tinubu was contained in a letter dated July 6 and addressed to the Nigerian president.
Trump said he appreciated Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” and resolve to tackle the issues plaguing the 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,” the letter reads.
“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.
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