Nigerian troops and United States forces have neutralised Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the global second-in-command of ISIS, during a precision air and land strike in Borno State.
The high-stakes operation, executed early Saturday morning in the Metele region, also resulted in the deaths of several key terrorist commanders and multiple combatants. Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was the most senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander operating in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the success of the mission in an official statement today.
“His elimination represents the single most consequential counter-terrorism outcome in the North East Theatre since the inception of Operation HADIN KAI,” Lt. Col. Uba said. “This decisive operation reaffirms OPHK’s position as the foremost counter-terrorism formation in sub-Saharan Africa and sends an unequivocal message that terrorists will find neither sanctuary nor safety within the North East Theatre.”
The United States Department of State had previously designated Al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on June 8, 2023. As a leading official within ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces, he was responsible for funnelling international funding and operational guidance to terror cells across the Sahel and Northern Borno.
The complex mission commenced at approximately 0001 hours and concluded at about 0400 hours on Saturday following a protracted intelligence-gathering effort. After confirming that Al-Minuki had established a fortified enclave at Metele, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Operation HADIN KAI launched a synchronised assault using multiple air platforms alongside ground forces. Special Forces units were deployed to seal escape routes and secure the perimeter.
Military officials reported that the high-risk operation achieved its objectives without any friendly casualties or loss of military assets.
“The operation was executed with zero casualties or loss of assets,” Uba stated, praising the “exceptional planning, superior tactical execution and the deepening synergy between Nigerian and US military forces in the global fight against terrorism.”
The strategic success of the operation drew immediate recognition from Washington. US President Donald J. Trump acknowledged the mission’s outcome and publicly commended the robust partnership between the United States and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
While the primary target has been eliminated, military operations in the region are far from over. A comprehensive Battle Damage Assessment is currently underway, and heavily armed troops are conducting aggressive follow-on exploitation operations in the area to dismantle remaining splinter cells and prevent the terrorist group from regrouping.
