Jul 22, 2026

Trump Hails Tinubu's Bold Strike on Terrorists

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s international standing on security matters, United States President Donald J. Trump has personally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “decisive leadership” in confronting terrorism, particularly violence targeting Christian communities.

The praise came in a formal letter dated July 6, 2026, released by the Nigerian State House on July 22 through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Trump described it as “a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”

The statement highlights deepening bilateral cooperation, including a Joint Working Group co-headed by the National Security Advisers of both countries, established in late 2025. Key outcomes include enhanced training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

A major milestone was the May 16, 2026, coordinated strike on ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad Basin, which resulted in the elimination of a top ISIS figure, Abubakar Al-Minoki (also known as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki or Abu-Mainok), along with several lieutenants.

This operation exemplified the practical impact of the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.

Further underscoring the partnership, US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja last week for high-level meetings focused on strengthening collaboration across security and other domains.

In the letter, Trump wrote: “I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities… The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa.”

He also referenced the deployment of elite US Special Operations Forces to support Nigerian troops with skills, tools, and intelligence.

This development comes against a backdrop of heightened global attention on religious persecution and insecurity in parts of Nigeria, with the Trump administration previously designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and pushing for stronger action.

As a seasoned journalist who has reported on Nigeria’s security challenges for decades, this high-profile endorsement from the US President signals a maturing strategic alliance.

It offers Tinubu’s administration valuable diplomatic capital as it battles multifaceted threats from groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram remnants, while addressing humanitarian concerns around vulnerable communities.

The collaboration reflects a pragmatic approach: Nigeria provides local intelligence and ground forces, while the US contributes advanced capabilities—potentially marking a turning point in the long-running fight against extremism in the Lake Chad region and beyond.

Nigerians across divides will watch closely to see whether this partnership translates into sustained peace, reduced civilian casualties, and broader stability in affected regions.