The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has revealed that Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria targeted by ISIS-linked groups.
Speaking during a White House press conference on Wednesday, Hegseth said Trump issued the directive about a year ago after learning about attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
According to him, the operation involved intelligence coordination and deployment of military assets, leading to the killing of ISIS deputy commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint U.S.-Nigeria military operation in the Lake Chad Basin.
Hegseth said intelligence gathered from the mission also led to the elimination of hundreds of ISIS fighters allegedly involved in attacks on Christians and threats against the United States.
He described the operation as part of the Trump administration’s broader counterterrorism efforts and commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
