Full text of Trump’s commendation letter to Tinubu

Former United States President Donald Trump has lauded Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity, particularly concerning attacks on Christian communities. Trump conveyed his commendation in a letter dated July 6, 2026, according to a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“

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.

In the letter, Trump detailed his administration's support, stating he had deployed US Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support Nigeria’s military in their fight against terrorism. He described the bilateral security partnership between the two nations as "historic."

Trump expressed his appreciation for Tinubu's resolve, writing, "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." He emphasized the crucial nature of the US-Nigeria relationship amid spreading conflict in West Africa and globally, noting their shared goal of confronting terrorism.

“

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.

The former US President highlighted the "historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap" as a framework for achieving their mutual objectives. He expressed pride in deploying elite US Special Operations Forces to equip the Nigerian Armed Forces with the necessary skills, tools, and intelligence to protect their homeland and ensure citizen safety, especially for those of faith who have been under attack. Trump concluded by looking forward to continued discussions during his presidency.

“

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.