US President Donald Trump has announced that US and Nigerian forces killed a top senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader during a joint military operation in Africa.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump said the operation targeted Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the “second in command of ISIS globally” and one of the group’s most active leaders.
Trump praised the mission as successful and thanked the Nigerian government for working with the United States in the fight against terrorism.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan attacks against Americans,” Trump said.
Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, reportedly coordinated ISIS-linked operations across parts of Africa, especially through the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Security experts have linked ISWAP to attacks in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and parts of the Sahel region. The extremist group has carried out deadly attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and local communities.
The US government listed al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2023 because of his role in extremist activities and terror-financing networks.
However, neither the US nor the Nigerian governments have released full details about the operation. Authorities have not confirmed the exact location of the raid, the number of militants killed, or the exact date and time when the mission took place.
Nigerian authorities had also not officially commented on the operation by the time of publication.
If confirmed, the killing could weaken ISIS operations in Africa by disrupting command structures, recruitment networks, and funding channels linked to extremist groups operating in the region.
Security analysts believe ISIS affiliates in West Africa and the Sahel may face leadership challenges and reduced coordination following the death of al-Minuki, who reportedly played a major role in cross-border operations.
The United States and Nigeria have increased military cooperation in recent years as both countries continue efforts to fight extremist groups operating in West Africa.
Following the operation, both governments are expected to intensify intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and surveillance activities targeting ISIS-linked groups across the region.
In recent months, ISIS-linked militants have continued attacks in Nigeria. In April, gunmen linked to the group killed at least 29 people at a football viewing centre in Adamawa State, according to local reports.
Last year, US and Nigerian forces also carried out joint airstrikes in Sokoto State targeting suspected ISIS-linked fighters.
If officially confirmed, the killing would mark another major setback for ISIS after US forces killed former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria in 2019.
