United States and Nigerian forces reportedly exchanged gunfire with ISIS terrorists for more than three hours before killing Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of the jihadist group.
The operation was first announced by Donald Trump and later confirmed by President Bola Tinubu on Saturday.
Trump described the mission as a “complex operation” carried out jointly by American and Nigerian troops.
According to a report by The New York Times, Al-Minuki was killed during a helicopter-borne assault involving about two dozen Nigerian and American special operations commandos, including members of the US Navy’s SEAL Team 6.
Citing three unnamed US officials, the newspaper reported that the commandos attacked Al-Minuki and dozens of fighters on two small islands in the Lake Chad Basin.
Lake Chad borders Nigeria, Niger Republic, Cameroon and Chad, all of which continue to battle insurgency and jihadist violence.
The report stated that the operation initially aimed to capture Al-Minuki alive.
However, the officials said an air strike was eventually launched after it became clear the ISIS commander would not surrender and could escape.
The strikes reportedly targeted his compound within the Lake Chad Basin.
According to the report, no Nigerian or American military casualties were recorded during the operation.
President Tinubu had earlier confirmed that several lieutenants linked to the ISIS commander were also killed during the mission.
The President praised the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States and expressed optimism about future counterterrorism operations.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” Tinubu said.
The New York Times also reported that investigators recovered electronic devices including mobile phones and laptop computers from the scene.
According to the publication, intelligence analysts are currently examining the materials for information relating to recruitment, operations and financing activities of ISIS branches in Africa and other regions.
The United States designated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki as a specially designated global terrorist in 2023.
Before his death, he reportedly held key operational roles within the terrorist organisation, including responsibilities linked to international financing and strategic communications.