Amanze Chinonye
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has revealed that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Nigerian Christians targeted by ISIS-linked militants, saying the mission culminated in the killing of a senior Islamic State commander in Nigeria.
Hegseth disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation also led to the deaths of “hundreds” of ISIS fighters linked to attacks on Christians and threats against the United States homeland. He added that many of the administration’s security operations often receive little media attention despite what he described as their strategic importance.
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Trump Announces Killing of Senior ISIS Commander in Joint U.S.-Nigeria Operation
The comments come days after Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out a joint counterterrorism operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the U.S. president as ISIS’ “second-in-command globally.” The operation reportedly took place in the Lake Chad Basin following what both governments described as a meticulously planned mission.
According to reports, the operation was conducted in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and targeted senior figures within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), one of the deadliest extremist groups operating in the region. Trump said the raid significantly weakened ISIS’ global operational capacity.
Hegseth said the mission stemmed from directives Trump issued in late 2025 after repeated concerns from conservative and Christian advocacy groups in the United States over attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria. The Pentagon chief stated that the administration had vowed to “hunt down” terrorists responsible for the killings.
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Tinubu Confirms Killing of Senior ISIS Leader in Joint Nigeria-U.S. Military Operation
The Nigerian government confirmed cooperation with the United States on counterterrorism operations but has consistently rejected claims that the violence in the country solely targets Christians. Nigerian authorities maintain that insurgent attacks affect both Muslims and Christians across several regions.
Meanwhile, questions have emerged over the identity of al-Minuki after some Nigerian military sources claimed the same ISIS commander had previously been declared dead in an earlier operation in 2025.
The latest revelations underscore growing U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation against ISIS-affiliated groups operating in West Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad region and northwestern Nigeria, where extremist violence has intensified in recent years.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
