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Trump made clear that the terrorist leader’s reign of violence has officially come to an end.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump said.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”
The president also praised Nigeria’s government for partnering with the United States in the daring operation.
“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, United States Africa Command, commonly known as AFRICOM, confirmed details of the successful strike and revealed that multiple ISIS figures were reportedly wiped out during the mission.
AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson emphasized the importance of the operation and the growing military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.
“As President Trump shared last night, AFRICOM in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, bravely and valiantly conducted a successful mission that resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and multiple other ISIS leaders,” Anderson said.
The commander noted that the operation was the result of months of coordination and intelligence-sharing between both nations.
“This operation underscores the exceptional value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and was made possible through the cooperation and coordination of our forces in recent months,” he added.
“Make no mistake, our two nations will relentlessly pursue and neutralize terrorist threats and are committed to protecting our people and interests.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also applauded the joint mission, calling it a major success in the battle against Islamic extremism spreading throughout parts of Africa.
He called it a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
“Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State,” Tinubu said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth celebrated the mission as proof that the Trump administration is following through on its promises to defend persecuted Christians facing brutal attacks from Islamic extremists in Nigeria.
“Back in November 2025, President Trump declared to the world that we will help protect Christians in Nigeria and instructed the Department of War to prepare for action,” Hegseth wrote on X.
“So, for months, we hunted this top ISIS leader in Nigeria who was killing Christians, and we killed him—and his entire posse.”
Hegseth praised the professionalism and deadly effectiveness of U.S. military personnel involved in the strike.
“Operations like last night’s demonstrate the exceptional lethality, patience and skill of U.S. forces, amplified alongside willing and capable partners, to address shared threats,” he added.
“This should serve as a reminder that we will hunt down those who wish to harm Americans or innocent Christians, wherever they are.”
The successful mission marks yet another aggressive counterterrorism move by the Trump administration as ISIS-linked groups continue attempting to expand across Africa.
Last December, Trump touted another successful American military strike against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria. During a radio appearance, the president famously described the military assault as a “Christmas present” for the terror organization after several militants were reportedly killed in coordinated U.S. airstrikes.
“They really got hit hard yesterday,” Trump said on 77 ABC Radio. “They got a bad Christmas gift.”
Trump argued at the time that the military action likely saved countless Christian lives after reports surfaced that ISIS terrorists had been targeting Christian communities in the region.
The president also pointed to broader national security successes under his administration, including military operations targeting narco-terrorist trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Trump claimed those missions helped slash drug trafficking activity by more than 97 percent.
At the same time, Trump highlighted falling energy prices across America, comparing lower gas costs to a massive tax break for working-class families. The president stated gasoline prices in several states had dipped below the $2-per-gallon mark.
The latest counterterrorism strike sends a powerful message that the United States remains fully engaged in hunting down ISIS operatives across the globe. With extremist groups attempting to gain ground throughout Africa, the Trump administration appears determined to respond with overwhelming force — and Friday night’s operation proved once again that America’s enemies are never beyond reach.
