Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday via his Truth Social platform that a joint operation involving US and Nigerian forces resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally. Trump stated that the mission was carried out at his direction by American forces working alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria, calling it a meticulously planned and highly complex operation aimed at eliminating one of the world's most active terrorist operatives.
Details of the Operation
According to Trump, al-Minuki had been tracked through intelligence sources that monitored his movements and activities, despite attempts to evade detection across parts of Africa. The former president did not disclose the exact location where the operation reportedly took place. Al-Minuki, identified as a Nigerian national, was previously designated a specially designated global terrorist in 2023 under the Biden administration, as listed in the US Federal Register.
Counterterrorism Cooperation
The operation comes amid ongoing cooperation between Washington and Abuja on counterterrorism efforts in West Africa. Trump used the announcement to acknowledge Nigeria's role in the mission, even as he has previously criticized the country over allegations related to religious violence—a claim Nigerian authorities consistently reject, maintaining that their military operations target all armed extremist groups regardless of faith or affiliation.
In recent months, the United States has expanded its security engagement in the region, including limited drone activity and the deployment of approximately 200 personnel focused on training and intelligence support for Nigerian forces battling ISIS- and al-Qaeda-linked factions. US officials have repeatedly emphasized that these personnel operate strictly in non-combat advisory roles, as regional insurgencies continue to evolve and spread across parts of West Africa.
