Washington, United States. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as second in command of ISIS globally, was killed in an operation conducted by US and Nigerian forces. Trump did not disclose the exact location of the operation.
Trump announcement
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission” to eliminate al-Minuki, adding that he “thought he could hide in Africa.” Trump said the United States had sources that kept it informed on al-Minuki’s activities.
US designation and Nigerian cooperation
Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, was designated a “specially designated global terrorist” by the former Biden administration in 2023, according to the US Federal Register. Trump thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership in the operation.
Nigeria’s response on religion and security operations
Trump has previously accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants in the northwest. Nigeria has denied discriminating against any religion, saying its security forces target armed groups that attack both Christians and Muslims.
US support and deployment in Nigeria
The United States carried out strikes targeting Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria in December. Since then, Washington has deployed drones and 200 troops to provide training and intelligence support to the Nigerian military against Islamic State and al Qaeda-linked insurgencies spreading across West Africa.
Non-combat role
Nigerian military officials said earlier this year that US forces were operating in a strictly non-combat role.
What do you think the announcement could mean for US-Nigerian security cooperation against militant groups in West Africa?
