According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation constituted a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, and the wider Sahel region.
The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander and one of the world’s most active terrorists, after a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and US soldiers.
In a statement made on Saturday by Major General Samaila Uba, the military alleged al-Minuki was involved in the infamous mass kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, including Leah Sharibu, who has yet to be found.
SaharaReporters previously reported that US President Donald Trump announced that US and Nigerian forces collaborated on a military operation that killed the top ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the terrorist group’s second-in-command worldwide.
Trump revealed this in a statement on his Truth Social platform late Friday, claiming that the operation was carried out under his orders and was a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.”
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation constituted a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, and the wider Sahel region.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, has successfully conducted a meticulously planned and highly coordinated counterterrorism operation resulting in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki,” the statement read.
The military labelled Minuki as a key operational officer inside ISIS, responsible for organising jihadist activities beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He reportedly advised ISIS members in media manipulation, economic warfare, and the creation of weapons, explosives, and drone technology.
“His death removes a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world,” the statement added.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that intelligence reports suggested Minuki may recently have risen to one of the highest leadership positions within the global ISIS structure.
“Intelligence further indicates that, as recently as February 2026, Minuki may have been elevated to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, placing him the second most senior leader within the ISIS global hierarchy,” the military stated.