The Armed Forces of Nigeria say a joint counterterrorism operation conducted with United States forces has led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS commander and one of the group’s most active operatives globally.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the operation was carried out through intelligence sharing and coordination under a recently established Nigeria-U.S. security partnership.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation dealt a major blow to terrorist networks operating in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
The military described al-Minuki as a key operational and strategic figure within ISIS who allegedly provided support to the group’s affiliates outside Nigeria in areas such as media operations, economic warfare, and the production of weapons, explosives and drones.
It added that intelligence reports suggested al-Minuki may have been elevated in February 2026 to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure in the ISIS global hierarchy.
The statement further noted that al-Minuki previously served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based Emir of the al-Furqan GDP Office, where he allegedly supervised ISIS-linked activities across West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians and minority communities.
The Defence Headquarters also linked him to the 2018 Dapchi abduction of more than 100 schoolgirls and said intelligence records showed he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya between 2015 and 2016 to support ISIS operations in North Africa.
Before aligning with ISIS in 2015, the military said al-Minuki was known as a prominent commander within Boko Haram.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria said the operation underscored the country’s determination to combat terrorism and strengthen regional and international security cooperation.
The military also commended personnel involved in the mission and expressed appreciation to United States forces for their support in the fight against terrorism.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain steadfast in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the nation and the wider region,” the statement added.
