Nigeria, US Troops Kill ISIS Second In Command

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that Nigerian forces in collaboration with United States forces at the weekend conducted a counterterrorism operation resulting in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS leader and one of the world’s most active terrorists.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai working with the US Africa Command (AFRICOM),  killed the ISIS global second-in-command and several key commanders in a precision air-land operation in Metele, Borno State early Saturday.

The director of defence information, Major General Samaila Uba in a statement yesterday said the precision operation was the result of the recently formed US-Nigeria partnership and intelligence sharing efforts.

“Together, we have disrupted a violent terrorist network that endangered Nigeria and the broader West African region. Our efforts represent a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and globally,” he said.

According to him, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a key ISIS operational and strategic figure who provided guidance to ISIS entities outside Nigeria on matters relating to media operations, economic warfare and the development and manufacturing of weapons, explosives and drones.

“His death removes a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world,” he added.

The Defence Headquarters said intelligence at its disposal indicated that as recent as February 2026, Minuki may have been elevated to the position of head of the general directorate of states, placing him as the second most senior leader within the ISIS global hierarchy.

“Prior to this, Minuki served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP office emir, overseeing ISIS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa, including attacks against civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minority communities.

According to OPHK media information officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the operation ran from 12:01 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. following weeks of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The terrorist leader maintained longstanding operational ties with ISIS-West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls. Intelligence records further showed that between March 2015 and early 2016, he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.

Before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, Minuki was also recognised as a prominent leader within Boko Haram.

He said the successful operation demonstrated Nigeria’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and deny extremist groups the ability to threaten national, regional and international security.

“The operation equally underscores the importance of our Nigeria-United States collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated military action in defeating transnational terrorist networks,” he added.

The Defence Headquarters commended the gallantry, professionalism and dedication of all personnel involved in the operation and appreciates the continued partnership and support of United States forces in the collective fight against terrorism.

He further reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the nation and the wider region.