U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his government’s efforts to confront terrorism and protect Christian communities, signaling a significant shift in tone after months of sharp criticism from Washington over deadly attacks on Christians.
In a letter released by the Nigerian presidency, Trump thanked Tinubu for his leadership and reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to working with Nigeria against terrorist groups operating across the country.
“Your steadfast leadership in confronting terrorism and safeguarding all Nigerians, especially vulnerable Christian communities that have endured brutal attacks, reflects the courage and resolve that define your presidency,” Trump wrote.
He added that the U.S. was “honored to stand alongside Nigeria in this vital mission” and said both countries shared “a common commitment to peace, security and the protection of innocent lives.”
The letter comes as the U.S. and Nigeria continue to strengthen security cooperation under a 2026 Defense Cooperation Roadmap that includes intelligence sharing, military training and joint counterterrorism operations. Nigerian officials have said the partnership has already contributed to operations against Islamic State affiliates and Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region.
Trump also referred to that cooperation in his letter.
“Our Special Operations Forces are now actively deployed in theater to train and assist your armed forces, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and expertise needed to defeat these violent extremists,” he wrote.
The message marks a notable change in the public relationship between the two governments.
Over the months, the Trump administration had taken a much harder line over the continued killing of Christians in parts of Nigeria. U.S. lawmakers and religious freedom advocates repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of failing to do enough to protect Christian communities, particularly in the country's Middle Belt where farming communities have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups.
Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation seeking to suspend certain forms of American assistance to Nigeria unless the government demonstrates measurable progress in addressing violence against Christians. Supporters of the bill argued that Washington should use its influence to press for greater accountability and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
The issue of Christian persecution has become one of the defining themes in recent U.S. engagement with Nigeria.
Nigeria has consistently rejected claims that the violence amounts to a government-backed campaign against Christians. Officials have maintained that security forces are fighting insurgent groups regardless of religion and have argued that Muslims have also suffered heavily from terrorist attacks.
The Nigerian presidency presented Trump's latest letter as evidence that the security partnership between Abuja and Washington is producing results.
According to the presidency, both countries have expanded intelligence cooperation and joint military planning in recent months. Nigerian officials also pointed to a successful counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad region that reportedly eliminated a senior Islamic State commander.
In his letter, Trump said continued cooperation would help restore stability across the region.
“Together, we can dismantle the networks of terror, defend innocent families and build a future where every Nigerian can worship freely and live without fear,” he wrote.
Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to improve security since taking office, describing terrorism and armed violence as among the country’s greatest national challenges.
Although attacks have continued in several regions, Nigerian authorities say military operations have killed hundreds of insurgents, rescued kidnapping victims and disrupted extremist networks over the past year.
The renewed partnership also reflects broader strategic interests for both countries.
Nigeria remains Africa's most populous nation and one of the continent's largest economies. It is also an important security partner in West Africa, where governments continue to confront growing threats from Islamist insurgencies that stretch across the Sahel into coastal states.
Trump concluded his letter by expressing confidence that the partnership between the two countries would continue to grow.
“The United States remains unwavering in its friendship with Nigeria and in our shared determination to defeat those who seek to spread fear and hatred,” he wrote.
The letter represents one of the clearest public endorsements yet by the Trump administration of Tinubu’s security efforts, even as concerns over violence against Christians remain central to discussions between the two governments.
