The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of senior ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.
In a statement released on Saturday by Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
According to the statement, al-Minuki was linked to the notorious 2018 mass abduction of over 100 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, including Leah Sharibu, who remains in captivity.
The confirmation followed an earlier announcement by Donald Trump, who disclosed that American and Nigerian forces jointly carried out a highly coordinated mission that eliminated the ISIS commander, described as one of the terrorist organisation’s most influential leaders globally.
Trump, in a post shared on his Truth Social platform, stated that the operation was conducted under his directive and involved a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.”
The Defence Headquarters said al-Minuki served as a key operational figure within ISIS and played a strategic role in coordinating extremist activities beyond Nigeria’s borders.
According to the military, the slain commander was heavily involved in directing ISIS affiliates on propaganda operations, economic warfare, weapons development, explosives manufacturing and drone technology.
The statement further noted that intelligence reports suggested al-Minuki may recently have risen to one of the highest leadership positions within the global ISIS structure.
Military authorities claimed that by February 2026, intelligence assessments indicated he may have become the Head of the General Directorate of States, effectively making him the second most senior leader within the global ISIS hierarchy.
The Defence Headquarters also traced his history within extremist movements, explaining that before aligning with ISIS, he had served as a prominent commander within Boko Haram.
Following his allegiance to ISIS in 2015, the military said al-Minuki became deeply involved in coordinating terrorist activities across West Africa and the Sahel region.
The military further alleged that he facilitated the movement of fighters into Libya between 2015 and early 2016 to strengthen ISIS operations in North Africa.
According to the statement, al-Minuki later served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked attacks across the Sahel and West Africa, particularly targeting civilians and minority communities.
The Defence Headquarters said the successful operation demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to dismantle terrorist structures and prevent extremist organisations from destabilising the region.
It also praised the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, stressing that intelligence sharing and joint military coordination remain crucial in combating transnational terrorism.
The military commended personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and bravery while reaffirming its commitment to sustained offensives aimed at destroying terrorist networks and restoring peace in affected communities.