ABUJA — U.S. President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Tinubu's leadership and efforts to address violence in Nigeria, signalling an improvement in relations between Abuja and Washington after tensions over Nigeria's handling of insecurity. In a letter dated July 6 and released by the Nigerian presidency on July 22, Trump expressed appreciation for Tinubu's actions and reaffirmed U.S. support for Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorism. Trump said he appreciated what he described as Tinubu's decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people and pledged U.S. support in efforts to make Nigeria stronger and more prosperous. The message marked a notable change in tone compared with the previous year, when Trump had publicly criticised Nigeria over the security of Christian communities and threatened possible measures against the country. Nigerian authorities rejected those accusations, maintaining that insecurity affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines. The latest message reflects a broader effort by the two countries to strengthen their security relationship. Nigeria and the United States have established a joint security working group intended to expand intelligence sharing, training and cooperation against militant groups. The framework is designed to improve the ability of both countries to identify security threats and coordinate responses. Nigeria continues to face several forms of insecurity. Armed groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings in parts of the North-West, while insurgency remains a serious concern in the North-East. Other regions have also experienced communal violence, criminal activity and attacks on communities. The scale and nature of the threats have made international security cooperation an important part of Nigeria's counterterrorism strategy. The United States has provided Nigeria with security assistance, training and intelligence support over the years. American cooperation has included efforts to strengthen the capabilities of Nigerian security agencies and improve their ability to respond to extremist organisations. The relationship has nevertheless been affected by disagreements over human rights, religious violence and the conduct of security operations. Trump's latest message suggests that both governments are seeking to place greater emphasis on cooperation. The release of the letter also came shortly after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja for discussions with Nigerian officials. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to examine security cooperation and other areas of bilateral relations. For Nigeria, stronger cooperation with Washington could provide access to additional intelligence, training and technical support. Intelligence sharing can be particularly valuable in tracking militant networks and identifying threats before attacks occur. Nigerian security agencies still have primary responsibility for operations within the country, but international partners can provide information and technical capabilities that complement domestic efforts. The security relationship also has wider diplomatic implications. Nigeria is one of Africa's most populous countries and an important political and economic power in West Africa. Strong relations between Abuja and Washington can influence cooperation on regional security, trade, development and other international issues. Nigeria also plays an important role in regional efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime. The government has welcomed international support while insisting that Nigeria must retain responsibility for determining how security operations are conducted within its territory. The challenge for Nigerian authorities remains translating diplomatic support into measurable improvements in security. Communities affected by attacks and kidnappings continue to demand better protection, faster responses and stronger action against criminal networks. Public confidence in security institutions will depend largely on whether those improvements are visible on the ground. The latest exchange between Nigeria and the United States therefore represents more than a diplomatic gesture. It demonstrates an effort to rebuild trust and strengthen practical cooperation after a period of public disagreement. Both governments now have an opportunity to deepen intelligence sharing, improve training and coordinate efforts against extremist and criminal groups. For Nigeria, the ultimate test will be whether stronger international cooperation contributes to fewer attacks and greater safety for communities. For the United States, closer cooperation with Abuja provides an opportunity to support security and stability in one of Africa's most strategically important countries.