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 carried out in collaboration with United States forces.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters on Friday, the operation was based on coordinated intelligence sharing between Nigeria and the United States under a recently strengthened security partnership.
The military described the mission as a major breakthrough in efforts to tackle terrorism and violent extremism across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
Defence authorities said al-Minuki played a major operational and strategic role within ISIS, providing guidance on media operations, economic warfare, weapons production, explosives and drone development for ISIS-linked groups outside Nigeria.
The statement further revealed that intelligence reports suggested al-Minuki may have recently risen to become Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure within the global ISIS structure.
Before his reported promotion, he reportedly served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked activities across West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians and minority communities.
Military intelligence also linked him to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping involving more than 100 students. Authorities added that between 2015 and 2016, al-Minuki allegedly facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.
Before aligning with ISIS in 2015, he was reportedly a prominent commander within Boko Haram.
The Defence Headquarters said the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to confront terrorism and dismantle extremist networks threatening national and regional security.
The military also praised the continued cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, describing intelligence sharing and joint military coordination as critical in combating transnational terrorist groups.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, commended personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and bravery, while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting civilians and restoring stability across affected regions.
