The Armed Forces of Nigeria have announced the successful elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS leader described as one of the world’s most active terrorists, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted in collaboration with United States forces.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the precision operation was carried out through a recently strengthened Nigeria-U.S. partnership focused on intelligence sharing and coordinated military action against terrorist networks operating within Nigeria and across the West African region.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the operation as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region.
The statement noted that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki played a strategic role within ISIS, providing operational guidance on media activities, economic warfare, as well as the development and manufacturing of weapons, explosives and drones for ISIS affiliates outside Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that intelligence reports indicated Minuki may recently have been elevated to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure within the global ISIS leadership structure.
Before this appointment, Minuki reportedly served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, where he coordinated ISIS-linked activities across West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians and minority communities.
The military further linked the slain terrorist leader to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping involving over 100 students. Intelligence records also showed that between 2015 and early 2016, he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya to support ISIS operations in North Africa.
Prior to pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, Minuki was said to have been a prominent commander within Boko Haram.
The Armed Forces said the successful mission demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to confronting terrorism and preventing extremist groups from threatening national, regional and global security.
The military also highlighted the importance of the Nigeria-United States security partnership in tackling transnational terrorist networks through intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
Major General Uba commended the professionalism, gallantry and dedication of personnel involved in the operation and appreciated the continued support of United States forces in the fight against terrorism.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the country and the wider region.