The United States and Nigeria have established new terms to deepen joint security operations against terrorism, following direct diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Abuja.
In an official letter to President Bola Tinubu dated July 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump commended Nigeria’s leadership, writing: “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.”
Addressing the growing regional instability, Trump emphasized the alignment between both nations in safeguarding targeted populations.
“I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your 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,” Trump stated, adding that “the United States–Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time when conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world.”
This bilateral push is backed by the historic US–Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap. Highlighting active U.S. involvement on the ground, Trump noted:
“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 United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—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. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my presidency.”
This military assistance expands on agreements reached late last year to establish a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries.
The tactical partnership, focused on intelligence sharing, advanced training, and tactical coordination, has already produced major operational successes, including a coordinated May 16 strike on ISIS strongholds in the Lake Chad basin that eliminated senior commander Abubakar Al-Minoki and several high-ranking lieutenants.