US Defence Chief Says Trump Directive Triggered Anti-ISIS Operations in Nigeria

US Defence Chief Says Trump Directive Led to Anti-ISIS Operations in Nigeria

Pete Hegseth says operation targeted ISIS-linked groups accused of attacks on Christians in Nigeria

The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has said President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to intensify efforts against ISIS-linked groups operating in Nigeria.

Hegseth made the disclosure during a press briefing at the White House, where he said the directive followed concerns over attacks targeting Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.

According to him, the mission involved intelligence operations and military coordination aimed at disrupting terrorist activities linked to the Islamic State group in the Lake Chad Basin region.

US official speaks on anti-terror operation
The US defence chief stated that intelligence gathered during the operation contributed to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS commander operating in the region.

He said the operation was carried out through cooperation involving American and Nigerian security forces.
Hegseth added that the operation also led to actions against several other ISIS fighters allegedly connected to violent attacks and broader extremist activities.

Operation linked to wider counterterrorism efforts
According to Hegseth, the mission forms part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts by the United States aimed at supporting regional security and protecting vulnerable communities affected by extremist violence.

He noted that many security operations carried out by the US military often receive limited public attention despite their strategic importance. The operation reportedly took place in northeastern Nigeria and surrounding areas within the Lake Chad Basin, where extremist groups have remained active for years.

Parts of northeastern Nigeria have continued to experience security challenges linked to insurgent and terrorist groups operating across the wider Lake Chad region.

Nigerian security agencies, alongside international partners, have conducted multiple operations in recent years targeting armed groups responsible for attacks, kidnappings, and displacement of civilians.|
Authorities have repeatedly pledged to strengthen security operations and improve regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

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Adesokan Oluwasegun is a journalist and blogger with four years of experience, specializing in politics, business and economy, metro reporting and editorial writing that provides analysis and opinion on key issues .