Ogunbayo welcomes Trump’s commendation of Tinubu’s anti-terrorism efforts, urging stronger Nigeria-US security cooperation to protect citizens.
Hon. Oluwatobi John Ogunbayo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Ibadan North-West and South-West Federal Constituency, has welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to tackle terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.
Ogunbayo described the development as an encouraging indication of the growing international confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its security architecture and confront terrorist threats affecting communities across the country.
Trump’s commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, the details of which were made public by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
In the letter, the US president praised Tinubu’s leadership and determination to address terrorism, particularly violence affecting Christian communities, while reaffirming Washington’s willingness to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Reacting to the development, Ogunbayo said the recognition from the United States should serve as further motivation for the Nigerian government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to restore lasting peace and protect citizens.
He commended President Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with the United States on security matters, noting that terrorism and violent extremism are challenges that require cooperation beyond national borders.
According to Ogunbayo, the evolving security partnership between Nigeria and the United States presents an opportunity for both countries to combine resources, expertise, intelligence, and operational capabilities in the fight against terrorist organisations.
He noted that the reported focus on intelligence sharing, specialised training, and operational support could help improve the capacity of Nigerian security personnel to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Ogunbayo stressed that the ultimate objective of every security initiative must remain the protection of human lives and the restoration of confidence among citizens, particularly those living in communities affected by insecurity.
He said Nigerians should be encouraged by efforts aimed at improving the country’s security situation, while also acknowledging that there is still much work to be done before citizens can fully enjoy sustainable peace.
The APC aspirant said the fight against terrorism should not be viewed solely through a religious or ethnic lens, stressing that terrorist groups and criminal elements pose a threat to Nigerians irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or geographical location.
He therefore called for a comprehensive approach that combines military action with intelligence gathering, community engagement, economic empowerment, and effective governance.
Ogunbayo also praised the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country, urging the Federal Government to continue providing them with the necessary equipment, training, welfare, and logistical support to perform their duties effectively.
He maintained that the success of Nigeria’s security campaign would depend not only on the efforts of security personnel but also on the cooperation of citizens.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.
He, however, cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary panic or worsen tensions.
According to him, the reported deepening of the Nigeria-US security relationship is an opportunity that should be used to build a stronger and more coordinated response to terrorism and other forms of violent crime.
Ogunbayo further expressed optimism that continued collaboration with international partners would help Nigeria develop stronger counter-terrorism capabilities and contribute to greater stability across the West African region.
He said the commendation from President Trump also underscores the importance of sustained leadership and commitment in confronting the country’s security challenges.
"Security is a shared responsibility, and the protection of every Nigerian must remain our collective priority.
I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening international partnerships in the fight against terrorism and appreciate the commitment of our security agencies who continue to put their lives on the line for the safety of our people.
"At the same time, we must continue to support our security personnel and provide them with the resources they need. The objective must be a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live, work, travel, and worship in peace."
Ogunbayo urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united in the face of security challenges, saying the combination of effective leadership, professional security operations, international cooperation, and responsible citizenship would be critical to achieving lasting peace.
He added that the recognition of Nigeria’s security efforts by a major international partner should encourage the government to remain focused and intensify its work until terrorism and violent crime are significantly reduced across the country.
About The Author
