The Presidency says a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts against terrorism demonstrates growing international recognition of Nigeria’s security gains and strengthening bilateral relations with the United States.
The Presidency has described the recent letter from United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as evidence that Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism are receiving international recognition.
Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala said the correspondence reflects progress in Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States and underscores what he described as the Tinubu administration’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting vulnerable communities.
‘Further Proof of Progress’ — Presidency
Speaking during a media interview, Bwala said the letter reinforces the administration’s position that its security policies are yielding results and attracting positive international attention.
According to him, the communication from Trump is “further proof of the progress we are making,” adding that it demonstrates growing confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to confront terrorism and violent extremism.
The Presidency maintained that the letter reflects improving diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington on security matters.
Trump Commends Tinubu’s Leadership
The letter, dated July 6 and released by the Nigerian Presidency, commends Tinubu for what Trump described as his “decisive leadership” in addressing violence affecting Christian communities and fighting terrorist groups.
Trump also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria, including intelligence sharing, training and joint operations under the two countries’ security partnership.
Opposition Figures Raise Questions
The release of the letter has generated political debate.
Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank has argued that the correspondence should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the Tinubu administration and challenged the Presidency to publish the complete signed letter. Separately, U.S.-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York (VBMY) questioned the format of the version released by the Presidency, while stopping short of alleging that the letter was fabricated.
The Presidency has continued to insist that the correspondence is authentic.
Growing Security Cooperation
The letter comes amid renewed security engagement between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the Presidency, both countries have strengthened collaboration through a joint security working group focused on intelligence sharing, capacity building and counterterrorism operations. Reuters also reported that the release of the letter coincided with a visit to Abuja by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia for talks on expanding bilateral security cooperation.