‎Trump says ISIS second-in-command killed in joint US-Nigerian operation ‎

‎WASHINGTON/LAGOS — US President Donald Trump announced Friday that a senior leader of the Islamic State group had been killed during a joint military operation involving American and Nigerian forces, DW has reported.
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‎In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki — described as ISIS’s global second-in-command — was eliminated in what he called a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.”
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‎“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed” the operation, Trump wrote, adding that the militant leader “thought he could hide in Africa.”
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‎Trump did not disclose the exact location of the operation, but US officials identified al-Minuki as a Nigerian national who had previously been designated a global terrorist by Washington in 2023.
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‎The operation marks a significant development in expanding security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria as both countries confront growing extremist threats across West Africa.
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‎In recent months, Washington has increased intelligence and military support for Nigerian counterterrorism operations, including drone surveillance and the deployment of military trainers in non-combat roles.
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‎Nigeria continues to battle insurgent groups linked to both Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, particularly in the country’s northern regions.
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‎Trump praised the Nigerian government for its cooperation in the mission despite past disagreements over security and religious violence in the country.
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‎Nigerian authorities have repeatedly denied accusations that the conflict specifically targets Christians, insisting that extremist violence affects both Muslim and Christian communities alike.
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‎Neither the Pentagon nor Nigerian military officials immediately released further operational details.
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‎ ISIS has not commented on the reported killing.