Trump announces joint US-Nigerian forces eliminate senior ISIS commander in Africa

President Donald J. Trump has stated that American and Nigerian armed forces carried out a successful operation to eliminate Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally and “the most active terrorist in the world”.

In a statement posted on social media, Mr Trump said the mission took place “tonight, at my direction”, describing it as a “meticulously planned and very complex” operation executed “flawlessly” by US forces working alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to the President, al-Minuki had attempted to hide in Africa but was tracked through US intelligence sources. Mr Trump claimed the removal would prevent the militant from continuing to “terrorise the people of Africa” or assist in planning attacks against Americans. He added that “with his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished”.

Mr Trump thanked the Government of Nigeria for its partnership in the operation and signed off with “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about ISIS affiliates operating in West Africa and the Sahel region, including groups linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Al-Minuki, also known by variants such as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, had previously been designated by the United States as a specially designated global terrorist.

Independent confirmation from US or Nigerian military authorities has not yet been publicly detailed, and the operation’s precise location remains undisclosed in the President’s statement.

The development marks a significant counter-terrorism claim by the Trump administration, highlighting continued US-Nigerian security cooperation against jihadist groups in the region.