President Donald Trump’s praise for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle terrorism has sparked mixed reactions, with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) insisting that Nigerians are yet to see significant improvements in security despite growing cooperation between both countries.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump commended Tinubu’s leadership and pledged continued US support in the fight against terrorism.
“I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and it is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists,” Trump wrote.
The US president also highlighted the US-Nigeria Defence Cooperation Roadmap 2026, saying it has strengthened military cooperation through intelligence sharing, training and joint operations.
Trump added that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces to support the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced training, intelligence and operational capabilities.
The Presidency noted that the partnership had already produced results, including a joint operation in the Lake Chad region that reportedly led to the elimination of ISIS commander Abubakar Al-Minoki and several of his fighters.
However, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) said it has not witnessed meaningful improvements in security despite the collaboration.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the forum welcomed America’s support but argued that communities in the region continue to suffer attacks.
“Sadly, however, we have seen little or no positive impact from this intervention. Thousands of our people, including schoolchildren, are still being held hostage by Islamist terrorists,” the forum stated.
The MBF added that millions of displaced persons are still living in difficult conditions and called for lasting security outcomes rather than promises.
Similarly, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) questioned Trump’s assessment, insisting that terrorism and banditry remain major challenges across Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, said many abducted victims, including schoolchildren in Borno and Kwara states, are still in captivity.
“What Trump is saying, we are not seeing on the ground. We have not seen the results,” Baba said.
While welcoming international assistance, the ACF warned against the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria, insisting that the country has the capacity to defeat terrorism with adequate political will.
“If the US wants to help Nigeria, it should provide equipment, intelligence and other forms of support, not establish military bases,” he added.
The forum maintained that Nigeria should protect its sovereignty while strengthening local security efforts to address terrorism.
