Trump ordered Pentagon to protect Nigerian Christians from ISIS attacks — Hegseth
United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, says President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria targeted by ISIS-linked groups.
Speaking at a press conference at the White House this Wednesday, Hegseth said Trump gave the directive about a year ago after learning about repeated attacks and killings of Christians in parts of Nigeria.
He said the operation involved coordination between U.S. and Nigerian forces, leading to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command in Nigeria, in the Lake Chad Basin earlier this month.
Hegseth added that intelligence gathered during the operation also led to the deaths of hundreds of ISIS fighters allegedly linked to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and threats against the United States.
He said the operation reflected the Trump administration’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities.
