Trump Ordered Pentagon to Protect Nigerian Christians Targeted by ISIS, Says Hegseth

United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has claimed that former U.S. President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria allegedly targeted by ISIS-linked groups.

Speaking at a White House press conference, Hegseth said Trump issued the directive about a year ago after being briefed on attacks against Christians in Nigeria.

“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria… and said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” he stated.

He said the operation involved coordinated intelligence efforts and deployment of military assets in partnership with Nigerian authorities.

According to Hegseth, U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s second-in-command in the region.

He added that intelligence from the operation contributed to the killing of “hundreds” of ISIS fighters linked to attacks in Nigeria and threats against the United States.

“And we got the assets there… and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria,” Hegseth said.

He also said the operation reflects the Trump administration’s broader counterterrorism strategy and commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.