U.S. and Nigerian forces killed ISIS global second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a nighttime raid in Nigeria, officials said Saturday.
The joint operation took place late Friday, May 15, striking a remote compound where al-Minuki and several other senior ISIS figures were meeting inside an established fortified base in the area, in Metele, Borno state.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the death in a brief statement, calling it a direct result of President Donald Trump’s orders last November to target ISIS leaders threatening Christians in the region.
“President Trump pledged to protect these communities, and our forces delivered,” Hegseth said. “Al-Minuki is no longer in a position to plan attacks or fund terror.”
Al-Minuki oversaw key parts of ISIS operations worldwide. Intelligence officials say he directed attack planning, managed hostage situations, and moved money across ISIS networks.
Huge Blow to ISIS
His death marks one of the biggest blows to the group since its territorial losses in Iraq and Syria years ago.
The raid unfolded under the cover of darkness as American special operations forces worked alongside Nigerian troops, using precise intelligence to hit the target without warning.
Officials said the operation was clean and there were no U.S. or Nigerian casualties.
Trump’s first strong condemnation of Nigeria came in November 2025, after a series of attacks on Christian villages that left dozens dead.
ISIS-linked fighters in the northeast and other militant groups had stepped up killings, church burnings, and kidnappings.
Trump called the violence against Christians unacceptable and ordered the Pentagon to prepare targeted action.
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Nigeria has struggled for years with multiple insurgencies. Boko Haram and its ISIS-aligned splinter groups have killed thousands and displaced many more.
Christians in the north and Middle Belt have been hit especially hard, with entire communities forced to flee. Local leaders have long asked for stronger international help.
Friday’s success comes as Trump pushes a tougher approach to terrorism. Unlike past administrations that often focused on U.S. large-scale missions or drone strikes from afar, this operation mixed U.S. special forces with local troops.
Hegseth said the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki is a big win in the U.S. fight aginst against terrorism and leaves the terror group with a massive gap to fill.
“He wasn’t just a figurehead. This guy moved money, approved plans, and kept the network alive,” he said. “Taking him out disrupts their finances and their command chain at the same time.”
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U.S. officials told the BBC that intelligence had established that Minuki had established a fortified base in the area, in Metele, Borno state.
They confirmed he was actively plotting threats against Nigerian civilians and Western interests more broadly.
Several mid-level commanders died alongside al-Minuki, further weakening the group’s remaining structure in West Africa.
Christians in Nigeria welcomed the news, with some believers saying the raid offers real hope after years of fear.
However, not everyone is celebrating in Nigeria; some are worried that more U.S. involvement could spark revenge attacks or stir up anti-Western feelings.
Others question whether one raid can change the bigger picture of instability, poverty, and weak governance that lets militants survive.
Trump Hails Successful Operation
Trump, taking to social media shortly after the operation’s success, thanked the government of Nigeria for their effective cooperation in the mission.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki 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,” Trump said.
The Pentagon plans to keep pressure on remaining ISIS networks in the region, with more operations expected based on fresh intelligence.
