US, Nigerian Forces Kill ISIS Second-in-Command — Trump

The United States has announced that airstrikes carried out in collaboration with Nigerian forces have killed several ISIS fighters in northwestern Nigeria, including the group’s global second-in-command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

US Africa Command confirmed that the operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State, adding that multiple targets were eliminated during the strike.

A US official also told Reuters that the operation successfully hit several high-value targets, though full operational details have not been disclosed.

President Donald Trump announced the development on his Truth Social platform, describing the mission as a “complex and flawless operation” carried out by US forces and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump said.

He identified the slain militant as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, describing him as ISIS’s second-in-command globally, and claimed the operation significantly weakened the group’s global network.

Trump further praised the cooperation between both countries, thanking the Nigerian government for its partnership and commending the troops involved for their professionalism and courage.

He also warned extremist groups, saying the United States would not allow “radical Islamic terrorism” to thrive under his administration.

Nigeria’s security authorities confirmed that the strikes formed part of ongoing intelligence-sharing and coordinated counterterrorism efforts between both countries aimed at dismantling extremist networks operating in the region.

Officials noted that Nigeria continues to battle multiple armed groups, including ISIS-linked factions operating in the northeast and northwest, particularly Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), also known locally as Lakurawa.

Security analysts believe the latest strike may have targeted Lakurawa elements operating in border areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States, where insurgent attacks have intensified in recent months.

The operation comes amid broader regional instability and ongoing multinational counterterrorism efforts, especially along Nigeria’s porous borders with Niger Republic.

Military cooperation between both countries has previously led to joint operations targeting extremist infrastructure, with officials indicating that further coordinated actions may follow.