The government of President Donald Trump has said that the execution of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and his foot soldiers on Nigerian soil is a reminder that American forces will go after enemies of the country and those killing Christians around the world.

Peter Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War, disclosed this in a statement on his official X page, lauding American and Nigerian forces for the successful operation.

“Last night U.S. forces, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other ISIS leaders,” Mr Hegseth said. “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.”

The American Secretary of War said U.S. forces have been hunting the slain ISIS kingpin for several months, adding that his execution on Friday is a reminder that American forces will hunt down their enemies and those killing Christians in Nigeria.

“So, for months, we hunted this top ISIS leader in Nigeria who was killing Christians, and we killed him—and his entire posse,” Mr Hegseth said.

He added, “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. This should serve as a reminder that we will hunt down those who wish to harm Americans or innocent Christians, wherever they are.”

The execution of Mr Al-Minuki comes five months after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against terrorists in their enclave in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, after months of campaigning over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Though the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied claims of Christian genocide in the country, it confirmed its collaboration with U.S. forces to eliminate Mr al-Minuki.

Mr Trump had also redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern last year, with a warning to sustain attacks on terrorists in Africa’s most populous country.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Saturday released a video of the airstrikes in which ISIS top commander Mr al-Minuki and other members of his group were killed.

“Last night’s operation targeted a significant presence of ISIS fighters in Northeastern Nigeria, eliminating multiple high value individuals including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki,” AFRICOM said, posting footage of the airstrike on X on Saturday.