United States Congressman Riley Moore has stated that President Donald Trump is prioritizing the protection of Christians in Nigeria following a joint Nigerian-American military operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally. Moore made the remarks during an interview on NewsNation, emphasizing Trump's commitment to safeguarding Christian communities from extremist attacks.
Congressman Riley Moore's Statements
Moore, a Republican who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, linked the operation directly to Trump's security priorities. He warned terrorist groups against targeting Christians in Nigeria, stating that the strike on al-Minuki sends a clear message. "President Trump is laser focused on defending our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria against the slaughter and martyrdom they've faced at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists," Moore wrote on his X account.
Moore explained that the US administration increased its engagement with Nigeria after Trump designated the country as a "nation of particular concern" over religious persecution on October 31 last year. Trump personally directed Moore to investigate the situation in Nigeria and submit recommendations to the White House. Moore traveled to Nigeria with colleagues from the Appropriations Committee and compiled a report with key recommendations.
Details of the Military Operation
Nigeria's Defence Headquarters confirmed that al-Minuki was killed in a meticulously planned and highly coordinated precision strike in the Lake Chad Basin. Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, described al-Minuki as one of the most influential operational commanders within ISIS globally. He supervised ISIS weapons production, drone programs, and international media operations, while also coordinating activities of ISIS-linked groups outside Nigeria.
Security intelligence reports indicated that by February 2026, al-Minuki may have risen to become Head of the ISIS General Directorate of States, considered the second most powerful office within the terrorist organization's global structure. Before aligning with ISIS in 2015, al-Minuki was a senior commander within Boko Haram and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping involving more than 100 students. The United States government had earlier sanctioned him in 2023.
Trump's Continued Focus
Moore emphasized that Trump remains deeply interested in the issue and continues to monitor developments. "This is something that the president is acutely focused on as he should be and so am I," Moore said. He noted that US involvement in counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria did not begin recently, pointing to the rise of Boko Haram over a decade ago. The congressman added that Trump's resolve against those who target innocent Christians is unwavering.
