By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), have neutralised Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described as the Islamic State’s (ISIS) second-in-command globally and the most senior ISWAP commander operating within the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region, during a coordinated precision air-land operation conducted in Metele, Borno State.
According to an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation was a landmark counter-terrorism mission that also led to the elimination of several key terrorist lieutenants and multiple combatants.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba disclosed that Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, had been designated by the United States Department of State as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on 8 June 2023 under Executive Order 13224 due to his role within ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces. He was reportedly responsible for coordinating international funding and operational directives to terrorist cells across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Islands in Northern Borno.
The statement noted that the operation commenced at approximately 0001 hours and concluded around 0400 hours on Saturday, 16 May 2026, following what was described as a prolonged joint intelligence operation involving legal intercepts, sustained reconnaissance, and comprehensive target development.
According to the statement, intelligence reports confirmed that Al-Minuki and his international terrorist network had established a concealed and fortified enclave within Metele, located in Sector 3 of OPHK. Consequently, OPHK troops and US partners launched precision air-ground strikes on the identified location while Special Forces simultaneously secured escape routes and provided contingency extraction support for personnel and air assets.
The operation reportedly involved multiple air platforms deployed in a synchronised air-land assault that denied the terrorists any opportunity to escape. Military authorities stated that the mission was carried out following approval from the Military High Command, reflecting extensive institutional coordination and strategic collaboration between Nigerian and United States military forces.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba further stated that the operation was executed without casualties or loss of equipment on the side of the allied forces, describing the outcome as evidence of meticulous planning, superior tactical execution, and strengthened military cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
He added that Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki was confirmed neutralised alongside several senior lieutenants and combatants, while Battle Damage Assessment remains ongoing. Troops have also commenced follow-on exploitation operations aimed at dismantling surviving splinter cells and preventing any attempt at regrouping or reconstitution.
The statement further revealed that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, acknowledged the success of the operation and commended the growing counter-terrorism partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Operation HADIN KAI described the mission as one of the most significant counter-terrorism achievements recorded in the North East Theatre since the commencement of the operation, stressing that the offensive sends a strong message that terrorist elements will find no sanctuary within the region.
