The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, have successfully neutralized Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander described as one of the world’s most dangerous and active terrorists, following a highly coordinated counterterrorism operation.
According to military authorities, the precision strike was executed through extensive intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation under the recently strengthened Nigeria–United States security partnership.
Officials said the operation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region, and beyond.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was identified as a key operational and strategic figure within ISIS, playing a major role in coordinating media propaganda, economic sabotage, and the development of weapons, explosives, and drone technology for terrorist operations across multiple regions.
Security intelligence further revealed that Minuki was reportedly elevated in February 2026 to Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure in the global ISIS hierarchy.
Before his latest appointment, he reportedly served as the Nigeria-based Emir of the al-Furqan GDP Office in 2023, overseeing ISIS-linked activities throughout West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians and vulnerable ethnic and religious communities.
Military intelligence also linked Minuki to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping and disclosed that he facilitated the movement of fighters into Libya between 2015 and 2016 to support ISIS operations in North Africa.
Prior to aligning with ISIS in 2015, Minuki was said to have been a prominent commander within Boko Haram.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s firm commitment to confronting terrorism and dismantling extremist networks threatening national, regional, and global security.
Authorities also emphasized that the successful mission highlights the growing importance of Nigeria–US intelligence cooperation and joint military coordination in combating transnational terrorism.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria commended the bravery, professionalism, and dedication of personnel involved in the mission while appreciating the continued support and partnership of the United States in the collective fight against terrorism.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilian populations, and restoring lasting peace and stability across affected regions.
