United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has disclosed that President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria facing attacks from ISIS-linked groups.
Speaking during a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Hegseth said Trump issued the directive about a year ago after becoming aware of the killings and attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
According to Hegseth, Trump told him to ensure the War Department took every possible step to safeguard affected Christian communities.
He explained that the mission involved covert coordination and the deployment of military assets to support operations in the region.
Hegseth further revealed that recent military actions led to the killing of an ISIS leader in Nigeria believed to be responsible for attacks on Christians and threats against the United States.
He stated that intelligence gathered during the operation contributed to the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command, during a joint operation involving U.S. and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin earlier this month.
The U.S. defence chief also disclosed that the intelligence operation resulted in the deaths of hundreds of ISIS fighters allegedly linked to attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
According to him, the mission highlights the Trump administration’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities.