The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, has confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS commander, during a joint counterterrorism operation by Nigerian and United States forces.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Major General Samaila Uba, the military said al-Minuki was linked to the 2018 abduction of over 100 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, including Leah Sharibu, who has yet to be rescued.
The DHQ said the operation marked a major breakthrough 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 said Minuki played a strategic role in coordinating ISIS activities beyond Nigeria’s borders, including propaganda, economic warfare, weapons development, explosives and drone technology.
“His death removes a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world,” it added.
Military Links Slain Commander To Dapchi Abduction
The Defence Headquarters said intelligence reports suggested that Minuki may have recently risen to one of the highest positions in 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.
It added that before joining ISIS, Minuki was a prominent Boko Haram commander and later became involved in ISIS operations across West Africa and the Sahel after pledging allegiance to the group in 2015.
The military said Minuki also served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa.
“Prior to this, Minuki served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa, including attacks against civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minority communities,” the statement noted.
The DHQ said the success of the operation demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to dismantle terrorist structures and prevent extremist groups from destabilising the region.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterate that this successful operation demonstrates Nigeria’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and deny extremist groups the ability to threaten national, regional and international security,” it added.