Donald Trump has hailed a joint military operation between American and Nigerian soldiers that killed a key ISIS commander described as the group’s second-in-command globally.
Trump made the announcement late Friday in a post on Truth Social, stating the mission was done under his orders and effectively removed what he called “the most active terrorist in the world.”
US President said the target was a senior Islamic State group leader, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who he accused of directing terror activities across Africa and backing attacks targeting Americans.
“Tonight, under my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission,” Trump said.
He will not torment the people of Africa again, or aid organize activities against Americans,” he added.
The operation featured close collaboration between U.S. military personnel and Nigerian security forces, reports said, although details of the location and operations tactics were not immediately released.
The development marks another big blow to counterterrorism tied to the Trump administration’s activities against ISIS cells in Nigeria and portions of West Africa.
Trump also planned a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS militants in north-western Nigeria in December 2025, citing the group’s atrocities against Christian villages in the region.
The latest operation is coming against the backdrop of increased regional and international efforts to check terrorist and insurgency operations across the Lake Chad Basin and wider West African sub-region.
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