Coordinated missions between U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian government forces have dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State in West Africa, eliminating key figures and disrupting militant networks.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian government forces conducted joint operations in northeast Nigeria, killing over 200 Islamic State jihadists, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a high-ranking ISIS leader. No U.S. or Nigerian personnel were harmed. 📺 DETAIL: The operations are part of an expanding U.S.-Nigeria security partnership that has grown since President Donald J. Trump ordered airstrikes against ISIS-linked militants in December 2025, citing attacks on Christian communities. Trump has repeatedly accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from Islamist violence, forcing Nigerian officials to deny claims of a Christian genocide and increase cooperation with the U.S. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing. He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.” – President Donald J. Trump 🎯 IMPACT: The elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other militants significantly weakens the Islamic State’s operational capabilities in West Africa and reduces its ability to plan attacks globally. President Trump hailed al-Minuki’s death as a major blow to ISIS, saying the militant leader would “no longer terrorize the people of Africa” or help plan attacks against Americans. 📺 FLASHBACK: In December 2025, U.S. airstrikes authorized by President Trump targeted ISIS-linked militants in Nigeria. Trump had previously criticized Nigeria for failing to protect Christians from jihadists disproportionately targeting Christian communities. 📈 DATA: Nigeria ranked seventh on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List for Christian persecution, with reports of killings, abductions, and forced conversions targeting Christian communities. |
AFRICOM, in continued coordination with Nigeria, conducted operations against ISIS fighters in NE Nigeria. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed. The targeted operations eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.#AFRICOM #Nigeria #Counterterrorism pic.twitter.com/xoxIj17lk1
— U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (@USAfricaCommand) June 10, 2026
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