The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced that a combined operation by Nigerian and United States forces resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a high-ranking leader within the Islamic State (ISIS). This precision strike, which was the culmination of enhanced intelligence-sharing between the two nations, dealt a significant blow to global terrorist activities.
U.S. President Donald Trump was the first to confirm the successful mission, followed by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who issued a statement endorsing the operation. The Defence Headquarters, through Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, detailed that the collaboration has effectively dismantled a dangerous network threatening both Nigeria and the broader West African region.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was not only a key operational commander but also a strategic thinker within ISIS, guiding affiliates in media tactics, economic warfare, and the manufacture of weapons, explosives, and drones. His removal eliminates a central figure who coordinated and directed attacks across multiple continents. Intelligence suggests that as early as February 2026, Minuki had been elevated to the Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most powerful person in the ISIS global structure.
Prior to this, in 2023, he served as the Emir of the al-Furqan GDP Office based in Nigeria, orchestrating operations in the Sahel and West Africa, including brutal assaults on civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minorities. Minuki maintained long-standing ties with ISIS-West Africa and was linked to the 2018 abduction of over 100 schoolgirls from Dapchi. Additionally, from 2015 to early 2016, he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya to bolster ISIS in North Africa. Before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, he was a prominent figure in Boko Haram.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have emphasized that this successful mission underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to counter-terrorism and the protection of national, regional, and international security. They also highlighted the vital role of the partnership with the United States, which involves intelligence sharing and coordinated military actions against transnational terrorism.
The Defence Headquarters praised the valor and professionalism of all troops involved and expressed gratitude for the continued support from U.S. forces. They reaffirmed their dedication to dismantling terrorist infrastructure, safeguarding civilians, and ensuring lasting peace and stability in Nigeria and beyond.