The Armed Forces of Nigeria have announced the successful elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS commander and one of the world’s most active terrorists, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted in collaboration with United States forces.
In a statement issued on Friday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the operation was “meticulously planned and highly coordinated,” adding that it marked a major breakthrough in efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation was made possible through the recently strengthened Nigeria–United States partnership and intelligence-sharing arrangements aimed at dismantling transnational terrorist networks operating across West Africa.
The military described al-Minuki as a key operational and strategic ISIS figure who provided guidance to ISIS affiliates outside Nigeria on media operations, economic warfare, and the development of weapons, explosives and drones.
Military intelligence further indicated that al-Minuki may have recently been elevated to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior leader within the global ISIS hierarchy as of February 2026.
Before his reported elevation, he reportedly served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked activities across the Sahel and West Africa, including attacks targeting civilians and vulnerable ethnic and religious minority communities.
The Defence Headquarters also linked the slain terrorist commander to the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping of more than 100 schoolgirls and disclosed that intelligence records showed he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya between 2015 and 2016 in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.
The military added that before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, al-Minuki was recognised as a prominent figure within the Boko Haram insurgency.
Major General Uba said the operation demonstrated Nigeria’s “unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and deny extremist groups the ability to threaten national, regional and international security.”
He also noted that the operation highlighted the importance of sustained Nigeria–United States military collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations in the fight against terrorism.
The Defence Headquarters commended the gallantry and professionalism of personnel involved in the operation and appreciated the continued support of United States forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the country and the wider region.
