US and Nigeria Claim Killing of Islamic State Second-in-Command • FRANCE 24 English
Why It Matters
Removing ISIS’s African deputy weakens the group’s regional command and deepens U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation, shaping the future of counter‑terrorism in Africa.
Key Takeaways
- •US and Nigeria confirm death of ISIS second‑in‑command Abu Bilal al‑Minuki
- •Strike executed jointly by US Africa Command and Nigerian forces in Borno
- •Al‑Minuki oversaw ISIS operations across Africa, fueling regional insurgencies
- •US has deployed hundreds of troops to train Nigeria against jihadist groups
- •President Tinubu praised the strike, pledging further counter‑terrorism actions
Summary
The video reports that the United States and Nigeria have confirmed the death of Abu Bilal al‑Minuki, the second‑in‑command of the Islamic State, in a joint operation.
The strike was carried out by U.S. Africa Command alongside Nigerian ground and air forces in Borno State, the long‑standing hotspot of the ISIS‑Boko Haram insurgency. Al‑Minuki, a Nigerian national, directed ISIS activities across the continent, making him a high‑value target.
President Donald Trump called al‑Minuki “the most active terrorist in the world,” while President Bola Tinubu thanked the United States and vowed more decisive actions. The announcement follows a 2025 U.S. airstrike in northern Nigeria and the deployment of hundreds of U.S. troops to train Nigerian forces.
Eliminating the ISIS deputy could disrupt the group’s African command structure and signals deeper intelligence sharing between Washington and Abuja, potentially curbing the region’s growing jihadist threat.
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