United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has disclosed that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Nigerian Christians allegedly targeted by ISIS-linked terrorist groups.

Hegseth made the revelation during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, stating that Trump issued the directive about a year ago after receiving reports of attacks against Christians in Nigeria.

“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth stated.

According to him, the operation involved strategic military coordination, intelligence gathering, and deployment of specialised assets to the region.

The US official further disclosed that the operation led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s second-in-command in Nigeria and a key figure allegedly linked to attacks on Christians and threats against US interests.

“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the US homeland,” Hegseth said.

He explained that intelligence gathered during the operation subsequently led to the elimination of several other ISIS fighters operating within the Lake Chad Basin region through joint efforts involving US and Nigerian forces.

“And have since, because of the intel we gathered, killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria,” he added.

Hegseth noted that the operation demonstrated the Trump administration’s commitment to counterterrorism operations and the protection of vulnerable communities facing extremist violence.

“So there are a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the president empowers the department to do on behalf of the American people that he deserves great credit for,” he stated.

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The United States has praised the Nigerian government for securing 386 convictions in terrorism-related cases, describing the development as a major step toward strengthening justice and accountability in the country’s fight against insurgency.

The commendation was delivered by Massad Boulos, who highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate long-delayed terrorism trials and reinforce the rule of law.

According to the U.S. official, the convictions mark a significant milestone in addressing cases that had stalled within the judicial system, noting that swift and transparent legal processes remain critical in tackling extremism and restoring public trust.

The latest development follows disclosures by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who confirmed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi explained that aside from the convictions, eight suspects were discharged, two were acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of the trials.

He noted that the proceedings, which ran from April 7 to April 10, involved over 500 suspects arraigned under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, with 10 judges presiding over the cases despite the Easter vacation period.

The minister added that the outcomes reflect the government’s commitment to due process, stressing that the inclusion of acquittals and discharges underscores adherence to judicial fairness.

The next phase of the trials has already been scheduled for mid-June, as authorities continue efforts to clear pending terrorism-related cases.

The U.S. government also emphasised that upholding the rule of law remains essential for ensuring long-term security and stability in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to face threats from extremist groups.

The commendation comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape, with global partners closely monitoring efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen institutional accountability.

In 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing concerns over violence linked to extremist activities.

However, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected the classification, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are driven by broader criminality and insurgency rather than targeted religious persecution.

Analysts say the latest convictions could help improve Nigeria’s global image and demonstrate progress in addressing terrorism through legal and institutional frameworks.

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The United States military has confirmed the deployment of a small team of troops to Nigeria to support efforts against Boko Haram, banditry and other terrorist threats, marking the first official acknowledgement of US forces on Nigerian soil since recent American airstrikes.

The confirmation came from General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), who spoke to journalists during a briefing in Dakar. He said the deployment followed bilateral discussions in which both countries agreed that stronger action was needed to address rising insecurity in West Africa.

According to Anderson, the decision has led to increased cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, including the deployment of a limited US military team with specialised capabilities.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” he said, without disclosing the size or specific mandate of the force.

The deployment follows airstrikes ordered by former US President Donald Trump in December, which he said targeted Islamic State elements operating in Nigeria. Trump had also warned that further military action could follow.

Reuters had earlier reported that the US military had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November, suggesting heightened monitoring of militant activity in the region.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), confirmed that a US team was currently operating in the country but declined to give further operational details.

A former US official familiar with the situation said the American personnel were largely focused on intelligence gathering and providing support that enables Nigerian forces to carry out operations against terrorist-linked groups.

The development comes amid increasing pressure from Washington, following accusations by Trump that Nigeria had failed to adequately protect Christian communities from Islamist militants, particularly in the northwest. The Nigerian government has rejected claims of systematic persecution, maintaining that security forces are targeting armed groups that attack both Christians and Muslims.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks in recent months, targeting military convoys and civilian populations. While the northeast remains the historic base of the insurgency, the northwest has emerged as a major hotspot for terrorist violence and banditry.

AFRICOM also disclosed that a recent US-coordinated strike in Sokoto State, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, killed several Islamic State fighters. The strike, the command said, was part of broader efforts to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups threatening regional stability.

The US military presence highlights growing international concern over Nigeria’s security challenges, as militant violence continues to spread across parts of the country more than 17 years after the Boko Haram insurgency began.

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United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out multiple airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Nigeria, describing the operation as decisive and warning that further military action would follow if attacks on civilians persist.

Trump disclosed the development late Thursday through a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, stating that the strikes were executed under his authority as Commander-in-Chief.

According to him, the operation targeted ISIS elements operating in Northwestern Nigeria, whom he accused of orchestrating sustained attacks on civilians, particularly Christians.

“At my direction, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote. “These terrorists have been viciously killing innocent people, and tonight, they paid the price.”

Pentagon Confirms Operation in Coordination With Nigeria

The strikes were later confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which stated that American forces conducted the operation on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State, in coordination with Nigerian security authorities. AFRICOM said the strikes resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS fighters, although it did not immediately release casualty figures.

“At the direction of the President and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria,” the command said in a post on X.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also acknowledged the operation, describing it as a response to persistent attacks by extremist groups. He expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Nigerian government, stressing that the operation reflected joint counterterrorism efforts.

“The President was clear: the killing of innocent civilians in Nigeria must end,” Hegseth said. “The Department of War is always ready, and ISIS found that out.”

Strike Follows Deadly Maiduguri Mosque Bombing

The U.S. airstrikes came barely 24 hours after a deadly explosion ripped through a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killing at least five worshippers and injuring dozens. Nigerian authorities suspect the incident was a suicide bombing linked to extremist groups operating in the region.

Security analysts say the timing of the U.S. operation suggests a broader response to escalating militant violence across Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active.

Trump Issues Fresh Warning

Trump used the announcement to issue a stern warning to militant groups operating in Nigeria, stating that the United States would not hesitate to carry out additional strikes if attacks continue. He emphasized that under his leadership, Washington would not allow extremist groups to gain a foothold or threaten civilian populations.

“If the slaughter continues, there will be many more strikes,” Trump said, adding that U.S. military capability remains unmatched.

The former president has previously criticized Nigeria’s handling of insecurity. In November, he warned that the U.S. could cut off aid and take direct military action if Nigerian authorities failed to stem the violence against civilians.

Nigeria’s Security Challenges Under Global Spotlight

Nigeria has faced prolonged security challenges from multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and other extremist factions. These groups have carried out mass kidnappings, bombings, and coordinated attacks on both civilian and military targets.

While Nigerian authorities have not disputed the U.S. operation, officials continue to emphasize intelligence-sharing and regional cooperation as key strategies in combating terrorism.

Security experts say the latest airstrikes highlight growing international concern over the spread of extremist violence in West Africa, as well as the increasing willingness of foreign powers to intervene directly.

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The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, led a 10-member Nigerian federal government delegation to the United States on Wednesday to meet with Congressman Riley Moore regarding Nigeria’s security challenges and reports of Christian genocide.

The visit follows recent claims by former US President Donald Trump about the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, prompting international attention. Since then, the Nigerian government has highlighted efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to curb insurgency and protect citizens across the country.

Key members of the delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Nigerian Embassy; and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.

During the meeting in Washington, D.C., Nigerian officials outlined counterterrorism strategies, security assistance, and measures to protect vulnerable communities. Congressman Moore affirmed US support, stating that ongoing persecution against Christians and violent threats will not be ignored and pledged continued cooperation to address these challenges.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the President, shared updates from the discussions, highlighting the productive dialogue and opportunities to strengthen US-Nigeria collaboration on security matters.

The delegation’s engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling terrorism and reinforcing global confidence in its efforts to safeguard citizens from targeted attacks.

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