In a formal communication dated July 6, 2026, former US President Donald Trump praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to resolve Nigeria’s pressing security crises. Trump emphasized his commitment to partnering with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism, specifically highlighting the protection of vulnerable Christian populations.
Highlighting the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, Trump noted that this framework is essential for addressing regional instability in West Africa. He confirmed that elite United States Special Operations Forces have been deployed to provide specialized training and intelligence to the Nigerian military. This mission aims to secure the nation and defend citizens from extremist violence.
The partnership, formalized through a Joint Working Group established last November, has already yielded operational success. A notable outcome occurred on May 16, when a collaborative strike in the Lake Chad region neutralized ISIS leader Abubakar Al-Minoki along with several senior associates. Recently, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia reinforced this alliance during his visit to Abuja, affirming Washington’s intent to deepen security ties with the Nigerian administration.
