US, Nigerian Forces Kill ISIS Second-In-Command In Joint Airstrike

The United States and Nigerian military have carried out a joint operation that reportedly killed top ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by US President Donald Trump as the terrorist group’s second-in-command globally.

The airstrikes, conducted in Sokoto State, targeted multiple ISIS fighters and strategic hideouts in Northwest Nigeria. According to the US Africa Command, the operation was executed “in coordination with Nigerian authorities” as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

President Trump announced the development on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, praising both American and Nigerian forces for what he called a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.”

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed,” Trump said.

“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan operations to target Americans.”

Trump also warned extremist groups against attacks on Christians, declaring that the United States would not allow “radical Islamic terrorism to prosper.”

Nigeria later confirmed the operation. President Bola Tinubu said the joint mission dealt “a heavy blow” to ISIS operations in the Lake Chad Basin and commended US President Trump for supporting the mission.

Tinubu praised the professionalism of both militaries and said he looked forward to “more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”

Security analysts believe the operation targeted fighters linked to the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), also known locally as Lakurawa, a growing terror network active in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

The group reportedly expanded its influence in border communities following the 2023 coup in Niger Republic, which weakened regional military cooperation along Nigeria’s porous northern border.

The strike marks another phase in increasing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States against extremist groups operating across West Africa.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, while insecurity, kidnappings and attacks on communities remain major concerns across several northern states.