Trump Commends Tinubu on Anti-Terrorism Efforts

On July 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, praising his “decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people” in the fight against terrorism.

Trump confirmed the deployment of U.S. Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support Nigeria’s military.

He described the U.S.-Nigeria relationship as crucial amid rising conflict in West Africa and highlighted the historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which was formalized in 2026. This roadmap was built on a Joint Working Group established in November 2025, focusing on joint training, intelligence sharing, and coordinated military operations.

Trump expressed pride in equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces with necessary skills and tools to protect citizens, particularly those of faith facing jihadist violence. The letter also referenced a successful joint operation on May 16, 2026, in the Lake Chad Basin, which resulted in the death of ISWAP's second-in-command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and approximately 40 of his lieutenants.