By By Elizabeth Ugbo
United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday that American troops and the Nigerian Armed Forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the alleged second-in-command of the Islamic State group, during a joint counterterrorism operation in Africa. Trump disclosed the development through his Truth Social platform, stating that the operation targeted one of the world’s most wanted terrorists to weaken ISIS operations and prevent future attacks against Africans and Americans.
Trump Announces Successful Counterterrorism Mission
Trump said the operation followed detailed intelligence gathering and careful coordination between the United States and Nigeria.
According to him, the mission removed a major ISIS commander from the battlefield.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission,” Trump stated.
He explained that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki believed he could avoid capture while operating in Africa. However, intelligence sources reportedly tracked his activities closely.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa,” Trump added.
ISIS Operations Suffer Major Blow
Trump noted that the death of al-Minuki would weaken the extremist group’s global network significantly.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan operations to target Americans,” the US president said.
Furthermore, Trump stressed that the operation would reduce ISIS’s ability to coordinate attacks across different regions.
The operation marks another major security collaboration between the United States and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism across Africa.
Nigeria, US Strengthen Security Partnership
Trump also thanked the Nigerian government for supporting the mission.
“I thank the government of Nigeria for their partnership on this operation,” he added.
Nigeria and the United States have continued to strengthen military and intelligence cooperation against extremist groups operating in West Africa and the Sahel region.
Security experts believe joint operations remain vital in disrupting terrorist networks and improving regional stability.
