By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
ABUJA – The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has described the letter from United States President Donald J. Trump to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s progress in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, saying it also signals deeper security cooperation between both countries.
Speaking during a live television programme in Abuja on Wednesday, Enikanolaiye said the letter acknowledged the achievements of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling insecurity across the country.
According to him, the correspondence goes beyond a message of commendation, reflecting the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria through enhanced intelligence sharing, training, capacity building, and the provision of equipment to support ongoing security operations.
The minister noted that Nigeria had recorded significant successes in recent weeks, including the prosecution and conviction of terrorists and bandits, the neutralization of several criminal elements, and the disruption of terrorist communication networks.
He also cited the recent rescue of abducted children in Oyo State as evidence of improved security operations, attributing the progress to increased collaboration between Nigeria and the United States as well as President Tinubu’s political will to address the country’s security challenges.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria was seeking to deepen cooperation with the U.S. in intelligence gathering, modern security technology, military equipment, training, and capacity building. He added that the existing Joint Working Group on Nigeria as a Country of Concern, chaired by the National Security Adviser, provides a diplomatic platform for sustained engagement on security matters.
Describing the relationship as a “new era of partnership,” the minister said the collaboration was focused on addressing Nigeria’s security needs and strengthening efforts against terrorism and banditry.
He further revealed that President Trump’s letter also acknowledged President Tinubu’s previous correspondence on security issues following consultations between both leaders over the past two years.
Looking ahead, Enikanolaiye assured Nigerians that they would witness further improvements in the country’s security architecture, including increased arrests and prosecution of criminal elements, enhanced operational capacity of security agencies, and more decisive actions against terrorists and bandits.
He said the government was also committed to restoring public confidence by ensuring a safer environment where citizens could conduct their daily activities without fear.
The minister explained that the development aligns with the Tinubu administration’s 4D Foreign Policy doctrine—Demography, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora—which places the welfare and security of Nigerians at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
He said stronger international partnerships would not only improve national security but also create an enabling environment for economic growth, investment, and sustainable development.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or region, while working towards a more secure, prosperous, and united nation.
