ISIS’ “second-in-command” globally has been eliminated during a strike by U.S. forces, who worked with Nigerian military members, according to the White House.
President Donald Trump said, in a statement, “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.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump continued. “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Last night’s operation targeted a significant presence of ISIS fighters in Northeastern Nigeria eliminating multiple high value individuals including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. pic.twitter.com/lNj4AMSITH
— U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (@USAfricaCommand) May 16, 2026
“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. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS…” -… pic.twitter.com/KF8MYet9CB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 16, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump announced American forces have executed an operation to KlLL ISIS’ global second in command, Abu-Bilal al Minuki, in Nigeria
TRUMP: “Little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.
He will no longer terrorize the people… pic.twitter.com/fcDgBl2Lsn
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 16, 2026
NEW: U.S. Africa Command releases video of the airstrike that targeted and eliminated ISIS fighters in Nigeria, including ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
President Trump called the “meticulously planned and very complex mission” a complete success. pic.twitter.com/zRQ87TXf2T
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 16, 2026
A report by Fox noted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the details.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was the senior ISIS General Directorate of Provinces Emir — the number two for ISIS globally — responsible for overseeing the planning of attacks, directing hostage-taking and managing financial operations,” Hegseth wrote on social media. “The removal of him and other ISIS personnel makes Americans safer by further degrading ISIS’s ability to plan and carry out attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, American citizens, and innocent civilians.”
He continued, “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.”
He noted Trump in November had “declared to the world that we will help protect Christians in Nigeria.” That was followed by instructions to the Department of War to prepare for action.
