By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, have successfully neutralized Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS commander and one of the world’s most active terrorists, in a coordinated counterterrorism operation.
According to an official signed statement by Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the operation was executed through a recently strengthened Nigeria-United States intelligence-sharing partnership aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and beyond.
Major General Uba stated that the precision strike represented a major breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts against violent extremist groups threatening regional and global security.
He explained that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki served as a key operational and strategic figure within ISIS, providing guidance to affiliated groups outside Nigeria on media operations, economic warfare, as well as the development and production of weapons, explosives and drones.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that intelligence assessments indicated that Minuki may recently have been elevated to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States as of February 2026, making him the second most senior figure within the global ISIS hierarchy.
The statement further revealed that Minuki previously 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, particularly ethnic and religious minority communities.
Military authorities also linked the slain terrorist commander to the 2018 Dapchi abduction of more than 100 schoolgirls. Intelligence records additionally showed that between March 2015 and early 2016, he facilitated the movement of fighters into Libya in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.
Before aligning with ISIS in 2015, Minuki was reportedly a prominent leader within the Boko Haram terrorist group.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria stated that the successful operation underscored the country’s determination to confront terrorism and deny extremist organisations the capacity to threaten national, regional and international peace and security.
The Defence Headquarters also emphasized that the operation highlighted the importance of sustained Nigeria-United States collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated military action in the fight against transnational terrorism.
The military commended the gallantry, professionalism and dedication of personnel involved in the operation and appreciated the continued support and partnership of United States forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria and the wider region.
