May 28, 2026
The United States Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, has said Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS, was largely responsible for attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria.
Al-Minuki was reportedly killed on May 15 during a joint military operation carried out by US and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Hegseth said the operation formed part of ongoing US efforts to combat ISIS activities in Nigeria and protect persecuted Christians.
According to him, President Donald Trump had directed the US military to prioritise the protection of Christians facing violent attacks in Nigeria.
