US President Donald Trump said American and Nigerian forces have carried out a joint operation that killed a senior leader of the Islamic State group in Africa, describing the mission as a major blow to the militant organisation’s activities in the region.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the group’s second-in-command globally, was killed during what he called a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” conducted with the support of Nigerian authorities.
Trump said al-Minuki had attempted to hide in Africa while continuing to coordinate militant activities linked to the extremist organisation.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump wrote, while thanking the Nigerian government for its cooperation during the operation.
The US president described al-Minuki as “the most active terrorist in the world” and said his death would significantly affect the operational capabilities of the Islamic State group across Africa and beyond.
The militant leader was believed to have played a central role in directing Islamic State operations in West Africa following the death of former commander Mamman Nur in 2018. According to the Counter Extremism Project, al-Minuki emerged as a leading figure within the group’s regional command structure and was known for his hardline militant approach.
The United States formally designated him as a terrorist in 2023 as Washington increased pressure on extremist groups operating across the Sahel and West Africa.
While details surrounding the operation, including its precise location and timing, were not immediately released, the announcement comes amid growing international concern over militant violence spreading across parts of Africa. Armed groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have expanded their presence in several countries in recent years, exploiting political instability and weak security structures.
Nigeria has faced a prolonged insurgency involving extremist organisations operating mainly in the country’s northeast. Security forces in the region have continued joint operations with international partners aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing cross-border attacks.
The operation also highlights expanding military cooperation between the United States and African governments in counterterrorism efforts. Washington has increasingly focused on intelligence-sharing, drone surveillance and targeted operations as extremist groups strengthen their foothold across parts of the continent.
Analysts say the death of a senior figure such as al-Minuki could temporarily disrupt the group’s command structure, though concerns remain about the resilience of militant networks and their ability to regroup under new leadership.
Nigerian authorities have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the operation.
