The United States Department of War, commonly referred to as the Pentagon, has provided fresh details on a military operation that reportedly led to the killing of ISIS' second-in-command in Nigeria, following a directive allegedly linked to former President Donald Trump.
US Defence Secretary Provides Details on Operation
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the mission formed part of wider counter-terrorism efforts aimed at dismantling ISIS networks responsible for attacks in Nigeria and threats to American interests. He stated that the operation was part of a sustained strategy to disrupt extremist networks.
Intelligence Led to Senior ISIS Figure Elimination
According to Hegseth, intelligence gathered during the operation contributed to the elimination of a senior ISIS figure in Nigeria, described as the group's second-in-command, as well as subsequent strikes on other militants. He noted that the broader operation had significantly weakened cells linked to attacks on Christian communities and extremist activities in the region.
Follow-Up Strikes Neutralize Hundreds of Militants
Hegseth said follow-up operations resulted in the deaths of hundreds of ISIS fighters connected to violence against civilians and threats beyond Nigeria. He emphasized that the mission was part of a sustained strategy aimed at disrupting extremist networks.
Trump's Directive Focused on Protection of Nigerian Christians
Explaining the background to the operation, Hegseth referenced instructions allegedly given by Trump regarding the protection of vulnerable communities. He said: "There's a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the president empowers the Department to do on behalf of the American people, that he deserves great credit for."
He further added: "Maybe a year ago he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians."
According to him, the directive shaped intelligence and operational priorities over time.
Intelligence Operation Shaped Long-Term Strategy
Hegseth explained that while such operations often unfold quietly, the intelligence gathered played a key role in subsequent actions against ISIS-linked operatives. He said the mission created what he described as a "new opportunity" to intensify pressure on militant groups operating in Nigeria and surrounding regions.
The Pentagon official maintained that the operation reflected broader US security commitments and long-term counter-terrorism cooperation. He added that many of the actions carried out by the department do not always receive public attention but are intended to protect both American interests and international partners.
