The United States and Nigerian forces have carried out joint air strikes in Sokoto State, killing several ISIS fighters, including the group’s second-in-command globally, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, according to US President Donald Trump.
The US Africa Command said the operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities in Northwest Nigeria.
A US official also confirmed to Reuters that multiple targets were killed during the operation.
Trump announced the strike on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, praising both American and Nigerian forces for what he described as a successful mission.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump said.
He added that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki had been hiding in Africa but was tracked through intelligence sources.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump stated.
The US President thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation, saying the operation had weakened ISIS globally.
Trump also warned terrorist groups against attacks on Christians, saying there would be consequences for such actions.
According to reports, similar joint strikes were carried out by US and Nigerian forces in Sokoto on December 25, 2025.
Nigeria has continued to battle different armed groups across the country, including factions linked to the Islamic State group.
Security analysts believe the latest operation may have targeted fighters of the Islamic State Sahel Province, also known locally as Lakurawa, which has become active in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The group has been blamed for attacks on villages and security personnel in parts of Northwest Nigeria.
The Nigerian military had earlier linked the growing activities of the group to instability in neighbouring Niger Republic following the 2023 military coup in the country.
Nigeria’s security challenges have continued despite efforts by the military and international partners to curb terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across several states.
