Pentagon says notorious ISIS leader linked to attacks on Christians was taken out in Nigeria
The United States government has confirmed the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’ second-in-command and one of the group’s most dangerous commanders linked to deadly attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, disclosed the development during a press briefing, revealing that the operation was carried out through a joint military effort involving American and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to Hegseth, the slain ISIS commander was heavily involved in orchestrating violent attacks targeting Christian communities in Nigeria. He said the operation followed a directive reportedly issued by former US President Donald Trump to intensify efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian populations facing terrorist attacks.
The Pentagon chief further revealed that intelligence gathered during the mission also led to the elimination of hundreds of suspected ISIS fighters operating within the region. He described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism across West Africa.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier acknowledged the operation, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign. Reports indicate that several senior ISIS lieutenants were also neutralized during the coordinated assault.
The development has sparked fresh international attention on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, particularly the activities of extremist groups in the North-East. Security analysts believe the killing of al-Minuki could weaken ISIS operations in the region, although concerns remain over possible retaliatory attacks.