Trump Confirms Killing of Top ISIS Commander in Joint US-Nigeria Operation

Donald Trump has announced that United States and Nigerian troops have eliminated a senior ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a coordinated military operation.

Trump disclosed the development in a post on Truth Social on Friday night, describing the operation as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” carried out by American forces alongside the Nigerian military.

The US President identified al-Minuki as the global second-in-command of the Islamic State group and described him as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.

“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 wrote.

He added that the slain commander had been involved in terror activities across Africa and in planning attacks against Americans.
According to reports, the operation forms part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts targeting ISIS networks operating in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.

While specific details surrounding the location of the strike were not immediately released, the mission is believed to be one of the most significant joint security operations between both countries in recent months.

The latest announcement follows a similar operation disclosed by Trump in December 2025, when he said he ordered a deadly strike against ISIS fighters in northwestern Nigeria over attacks on civilians, particularly Christian communities.

The renewed collaboration between Nigerian and US forces comes amid increasing regional concern over the spread of terrorism and insurgency activities within the West African sub-region.