ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al‑Minuki killed in joint Nigeria–US counterterror operation
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), working in collaboration with United States forces, announced on Saturday that a precisely planned and coordinated counterterrorism operation eliminated Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, described by the military as a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader and “one of the world’s most active terrorists.”
In a statement signed on Saturday by Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Information Chief said the operation resulted from recent U.S.–Nigeria partnership and intelligence‑sharing efforts.
“Our efforts represent a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and globally,” the statement added.
The military said intelligence identified al‑Minuki as a key operational and strategic figure who “provided guidance to ISIS entities outside Nigeria on matters relating to media operations, economic warfare and the development and manufacturing of weapons, explosives and drones.”
His death, the statement said, removes “a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world.”
According to the AFN, intelligence suggests that al‑Minuki may have been elevated as recently as February 2026 to Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior leader in the ISIS global hierarchy.
The statement also recalled his previous roles: in 2023 he served as the Nigeria‑based al‑Furqan GDP Office Emir overseeing ISIS‑linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa, and before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015 he was a prominent Boko Haram leader.
The defence release linked al‑Minuki to a range of alleged crimes and activities, including longstanding ties with ISIS‑West Africa, involvement in the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls, and facilitating fighter movements to Libya between March 2015 and early 2016.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterate that this successful operation demonstrates Nigeria’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and deny extremist groups the ability to threaten national, regional and international security,” the statement said, praising the “gallantry, professionalism and dedication of all personnel involved” and expressing appreciation for U.S. support.
The AFN said the operation underscores the value of Nigeria–United States collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated military action in degrading transnational terrorist networks.
It added that Nigerian forces remain “steadfast in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the nation and the wider region.”
