By Fatima Saka
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, have successfully neutralised Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander and one of the world’s most active terrorists, in a precision counterterrorism operation described as a major breakthrough in the fight against global extremism.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the meticulously planned and highly coordinated operation was made possible through enhanced intelligence sharing under the recently strengthened Nigeria–U.S. military partnership.
He noted that the mission disrupted a dangerous terrorist network that posed significant threats to Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region, and beyond.
According to the statement, al-Minuki was a key operational and strategic figure within ISIS, providing direction to affiliated groups outside Nigeria on media operations, economic warfare, and the development of weapons, explosives, and drone technologies. His elimination is expected to significantly weaken ISIS’s global coordination and operational capacity.
Intelligence reports indicate that as recently as February 2026, al-Minuki may have risen to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, effectively making him the second most senior leader within the ISIS global hierarchy. His death, therefore, represents the removal of a critical link in the group’s international command structure.
The Defence Headquarters further revealed that al-Minuki previously served as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir in 2023, overseeing ISIS-linked activities across West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minorities.
He was also linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls’ abduction and had longstanding ties with ISIS-West Africa. Intelligence records show that between 2015 and 2016, he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya to support ISIS operations in North Africa. Before aligning with ISIS, he was recognised as a prominent figure within Boko Haram.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria подчеркed that the successful operation underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and denying extremist groups the ability to threaten national and regional security. It also highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational security challenges.
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The military commended the professionalism and bravery of personnel involved in the operation and expressed appreciation for the continued support of United States forces.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that ongoing operations will continue to target terrorist infrastructure, protect civilian populations, and ensure lasting peace and stability across Nigeria and the wider region.
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