Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command, has been killed in a joint military operation carried out by U.S. and Nigerian forces in northeastern Nigeria. The announcement was confirmed by both U.S. President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Trump said the operation was carried out under his direction and described it as a carefully planned mission targeting one of the world’s most active terrorist figures. He claimed al-Minuki believed he was safe hiding in Africa, but intelligence tracking led to his location.
President Tinubu also confirmed the killing, calling it proof of strong cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism. He said early reports show that al-Minuki and several of his close associates were eliminated during the strike.
The operation reportedly took place in the Lake Chad Basin region, an area that has long faced insurgency attacks from extremist groups including Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated fighters. Nigerian forces worked alongside the U.S. military’s Africa Command during the mission.
According to the Nigerian Army, the strike occurred in Metele, Borno State, and involved a coordinated air and ground operation. Officials said the mission lasted several hours and ended without any casualties on the side of the joint forces.
Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, had been designated a global terrorist by U.S. authorities in 2023. He was considered a key figure in ISIS operations in West Africa.
The region has been affected by violent insurgencies for years, with thousands killed and millions displaced due to ongoing conflict involving extremist groups.
The United States has continued to support Nigeria with intelligence, training, and drone operations as part of wider efforts to counter extremist activity spreading across West Africa.
