U.S. War Secretary reveals directive to protect Christians led to joint operation with Nigerian forces, eliminating ISIS-linked deputy leader in Lake Chad Basin

The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has revealed that President Donald Trump issued a directive to the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria facing attacks from ISIS-linked groups.

Speaking at a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Hegseth said the order was given roughly a year ago after Trump was briefed on escalating violence targeting Christian communities in parts of the country.

According to him, the directive set in motion a series of coordinated, largely undisclosed military and intelligence operations involving U.S. assets and collaboration with Nigerian forces.

Hegseth disclosed that intelligence gathered during the mission played a critical role in a recent joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin, which resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS in the region.

He quoted Trump as instructing the War Department to intensify efforts to counter the threat and protect vulnerable populations.

“About a year ago, he heard the calls of Nigerian Christians being targeted and killed by ISIS, and he said, ‘I want the War Department to ensure we do everything possible to protect them,’” Hegseth said.

He added that the operation has delivered significant gains in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, noting that the elimination of al-Minuki dealt a major blow to ISIS activities in the region.

“And over the last month, despite limited public attention, we successfully neutralised ISIS’s number two in Nigeria—someone heavily responsible for attacks on Christians and threats extending beyond the region,” he stated.