By Palang Paul
The administration of Donald Trump directed the United States military Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Nigerian Christians targeted by ISIS-linked terrorist groups, according to U.S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Speaking during a press briefing at the White House on Wednesday 27 May 2026, Hegseth disclosed that Trump issued the directive after receiving reports of deadly attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria.
According to the US official, the directive prompted strategic military coordination, intelligence operations, and the deployment of specialised assets aimed at counterterrorism efforts in the region.
“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 said.
He further revealed that the operation led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS in Nigeria and a key figure allegedly responsible for attacks on Christians as well as threats against US interests.
Hegseth said intelligence gathered during the operation also enabled joint US and Nigerian security forces to eliminate hundreds of ISIS fighters operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
“And have since, because of the intel we gathered, killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria,” he added.
The US defense chief said the operation reflected the Trump administration’s broader commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities facing extremist violence.
The development comes amid growing international concern over insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt and the wider Lake Chad region, where armed extremist groups have continued to launch attacks against civilians and security formations.
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