US and Nigerian forces kill senior ISIS commander, Trump says
US and Nigerian forces kill senior ISIS commander, Trump says
US and Nigerian forces kill senior – On Friday, U.S. and Nigerian military teams carried out an operation that resulted in the death of a high-ranking ISIS leader, according to President Donald Trump. The president claimed that the mission significantly reduced the terrorist group’s influence, emphasizing its strategic importance in the region. “Brave American forces and the Nigerian Armed Forces flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” he stated in a post on Truth Social later that day.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump said in a Truth Social post late Friday ET. The president named the target as “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally,” adding: “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.”
Although Trump did not reveal the exact location of the attack, he described it as a coordinated effort between the two nations. “He thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” the president noted, highlighting the intelligence network that contributed to the operation. The strike occurred in the Lake Chad Basin, a region frequently targeted by ISIS-linked groups in the region.
According to records from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was born in 1982 in Borno, a northeastern Nigerian state bordered by Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. His early life and rise within ISIS have been a focal point for Nigerian military operations, particularly in the fight against ISWAP and Boko Haram. In 2024, al-Minuki was among the suspected commanders killed during an operation in the Birnin Gwari forest area of northern Kaduna State. However, a spokesperson for President Tinubu later clarified that the initial identification of al-Minuki’s death may have been mistaken.
“This time, however, security and military authorities maintain a far higher level of confidence,” said Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Tinubu. Onanuga also pointed out that the Birnin Gwari area was not part of al-Minuki’s established operational hub, suggesting the current operation was more precise and targeted.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the joint effort, stating that U.S. forces had been actively pursuing al-Minuki for months. “We killed him — and his entire posse,” he said, underscoring the success of the mission. Hegseth emphasized the combined capabilities of the U.S. and Nigerian military, noting that their collaboration has been critical in countering shared threats. “Operations like last night’s demonstrate the exceptional lethality, patience and skill of U.S. forces, amplified alongside willing and capable partners,” he added.
Nigeria’s State House confirmed the operation in a statement, calling it a “daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.” The release noted that the strike targeted al-Minuki’s compound, resulting in the elimination of the wanted IS leader, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his subordinates. This marks another significant milestone in the ongoing battle against ISIS in the region.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” wrote Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media. “I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.”
Daniel Bwala, a spokesperson for Tinubu, confirmed to CNN that the al-Minuki in question had been under surveillance for some time. “When he was identified and located around Lake Chad, both the U.S. and Nigerian government felt it was the right time to strike,” Bwala said. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation, stating that it was a testament to the joint efforts between the two nations. “Nigeria still insists that there is no Christian genocide taking place in the country,” Bwala added, clarifying that terrorists target individuals across all faiths.
This operation is not the first time Trump has ordered a military strike against alleged ISIS militants in Nigeria. In December, the president announced a “powerful and deadly strike against ISIS” in northwestern Nigeria, where he claimed the group had been killing innocent Christians. A month earlier, he had expressed consideration for military action following a reported “mass slaughter” of Christians by Islamist insurgents. These statements have drawn both praise and criticism, with some viewing them as a demonstration of resolve, while others question the timing and effectiveness of the interventions.
Despite Trump’s assertions, the Nigerian government has maintained that it is actively working to protect Christians from attacks. “We were bewildered by Trump’s suggestion of a potential military intervention,” a government official said at the time, defending the nation’s efforts. However, the recent success in targeting al-Minuki has been a major achievement in the fight against ISIS, which has been operating in the region for years.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to approximately 237.5 million people, with Christians and Muslims forming the two dominant religious groups. Analysts have noted that the conflict in the country is complex, involving both groups being victims of radical Islamist attacks. While the government continues to emphasize its role in combating terrorism, the situation remains challenging, with ongoing efforts to secure the region and protect its citizens.
