Nigeria, US Forces Neutralise Senior ISIS Commander As President Trump Commends Joint Operation
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, have announced the successful elimination of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a coordinated counterterrorism operation described as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and beyond.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that the operation was executed through a joint Nigeria-United States intelligence-sharing and military collaboration targeting extremist networks operating within the region.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described al-Minuki as one of the world’s most active terrorists and a key operational figure within the global ISIS hierarchy.
According to the statement, the operation dealt a significant blow to ISIS activities across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and other international theatres of operation.
The Defence Headquarters noted that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki played strategic roles in coordinating ISIS-linked activities relating to media operations, economic warfare, and the development of weapons, explosives and drones.
His elimination, the military said, has disrupted a critical operational structure through which ISIS coordinated activities across multiple regions globally.
“His death removes a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world,” the statement said.
Military intelligence further revealed that al-Minuki was recently elevated, in February 2026, to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure within the global ISIS command structure.
Before that appointment, he reportedly served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based Emir of the al-Furqan GDP Office, overseeing ISIS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa.
The military also linked him to several violent operations against civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minority communities.
According to intelligence records cited by the Defence Headquarters, al-Minuki maintained operational ties with ISIS-West Africa and was allegedly connected to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls’ abduction involving more than 100 students.
The statement further disclosed that between March 2015 and early 2016, the slain terrorist leader facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.
Before formally aligning with ISIS in 2015, al-Minuki was also identified as a prominent commander within Boko Haram.
Reacting to the development, United States President Donald Trump commended the joint operation in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the mission as “meticulously planned” and “very complex.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump stated.
The US President added that al-Minuki “thought he could hide in Africa,” but intelligence sources kept security forces informed about his activities.
Trump also thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership in the operation and declared that the removal of the ISIS commander had “greatly diminished” the group’s global operations.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria described the operation as evidence of the country’s continued determination to confront terrorism and dismantle extremist networks threatening national and regional security.
The military also highlighted the importance of the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States in tackling transnational terrorism.
“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 added.
The Defence Headquarters commended the professionalism, gallantry and dedication of personnel involved in the operation while also appreciating the continued support and collaboration of United States forces in the global fight against terrorism.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria and the wider region.
