US, Nigerian Forces Kill ISIS Leader in Joint Operation

The United States government has said the killing of a senior ISIS commander in Nigeria sends a strong message to terrorists targeting Christians and other innocent people.

Donald Trump administration officials announced that American troops worked with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to eliminate Abu Bilal al Minuki, described as one of the top leaders of the extremist group in West Africa.

Pete Hegseth announced in a statement shared on X, praising both countries for carrying out what he called a successful military operation.

According to Hegseth, the United States had been tracking al-Minuki for several months because of his alleged role in attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.

He said the operation fulfilled a promise made by President Trump in November 2025, when he said the United States would support efforts to protect Christians facing violence in Nigeria.

Hegseth said the mission showed the effectiveness of American forces when working with trusted international partners. He added that the United States would continue to pursue anyone responsible for harming Americans or innocent Christians anywhere in the world.

The operation took place on Friday, and officials said al Minuki was killed along with several other ISIS commanders and fighters.

The development comes about five months after President Trump reportedly ordered air strikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025. The action followed months of campaigning by groups that accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop attacks on Christian communities.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims that Christians are being systematically targeted. However, authorities confirmed that Nigerian troops collaborated with the United States in the latest mission.

Last year, the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a classification used by the United States to highlight serious issues involving religious freedom.

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The United States Africa Command also released video footage showing the strike. In a statement, the military command said the operation targeted a significant concentration of ISIS fighters in northeastern Nigeria.

AFRICOM said several high-value targets were eliminated, including al Minuki, whom it described as a major figure within the terrorist group.

The joint operation marks one of the most significant examples of direct military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

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