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 forum, comprising governors from affected areas in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger, was created in 2018 to combat the deepening crises of insurgency, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment in the Lake Chad region.

Kori, a globally experienced technocrat and Group CEO of Thinklab Group Limited, is widely respected for his work across more than 34 countries. His background includes senior leadership at Family Home Funds and teaching roles at both the University of Liverpool and Yobe State University.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who also chairs the forum, announced the appointment, praising Kori’s leadership, network, and proven dedication to sustainable development. The appointment was formally confirmed by Baba Mallam Wali, Secretary to the Yobe State Government, in a letter dated June 11, 2025.

The letter also revealed that Kori has been appointed as Governor Buni’s Special Adviser on International Relations and Development, underscoring his importance to both state and regional priorities.

Kori’s academic credentials include a doctorate from the University of Liverpool, a master’s from the University of Salford, and an undergraduate degree in architecture from FUT Yola. His dual appointment is expected to strengthen ties with international partners and accelerate progress across the Lake Chad Basin.

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