The Federal Government has described a letter from United States President Donald J. Trump to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, saying it signals a stronger security partnership between both countries.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the remarks during a live television interview in Abuja on Wednesday, where he said the correspondence acknowledged the achievements of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling insecurity.
According to the minister, the letter goes beyond commendation and represents a commitment by the United States to deepen cooperation with Nigeria through intelligence sharing, training, capacity building and the provision of security equipment.
He said the Federal Government had recorded significant successes in recent weeks, including the prosecution and conviction of terrorists and bandits, the neutralisation of criminal elements and the disruption of terrorist communication networks.
Enikanolaiye also cited the recent rescue of abducted children in Oyo State as evidence of improved security operations, attributing the success to stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
He explained that both countries had expanded intelligence exchange, training programmes and equipment support, while President Tinubu’s political will had strengthened ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria is seeking broader cooperation with the United States in intelligence gathering, modern technology, equipment acquisition, operational platforms and personnel training through the existing Joint Working Group on Nigeria as a Country of Concern, chaired by the National Security Adviser.
He described the initiative as a diplomatic framework designed to enhance dialogue, negotiations and strategic cooperation on security matters.
Enikanolaiye further revealed that the letter from President Trump also acknowledged earlier correspondence initiated by President Tinubu following engagements between the two leaders over the past two years.
He assured Nigerians that the improved partnership would translate into more arrests and prosecutions of criminal elements, stronger operational capabilities for security agencies and greater public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
According to him, the Tinubu administration remains committed to ensuring that citizens can live and conduct their daily activities in a peaceful and secure environment.
The minister said the development aligns with the administration’s 4D Foreign Policy doctrine of Demography, Democracy, Development and Diaspora, noting that the protection and welfare of Nigerians remain the central focus of the country’s foreign policy.
He added that the enhanced defence cooperation with the United States would not only strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism but also improve investor confidence, promote economic growth and reinforce the country’s position as a key security partner in West Africa.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians irrespective of religion or region while working towards a safer, stronger and more prosperous nation.
