AFRICOM releases video of joint US-Nigeria operation
AFRICOM said the strike was part of intelligence-led cooperation with Nigerian forces and killed a senior ISIS-linked commander with no casualties.
- On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Nigerian and United States forces killed ISIS commander Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki during a meticulously planned precision air-land operation in Metele, Borno State.
- Confusion emerged regarding the neutralized terrorist's identity, as the Nigerian Defence Headquarters previously announced Al-Minuki was killed in 2024, prompting public skepticism about how he could be killed twice.
- The presidency and military clarified the 2024 announcement contained inaccurate information, noting that terrorists often use identical aliases to obscure their identities during counter-terrorism operations.
- President Bola Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, with Tinubu calling the strike a "significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism."
- Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the government for relying on Trump's claims, urging officials to strengthen internal military capacity in line with the Nigerian Constitution instead.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki Killed: What to Know About ISIS Second-in-Command Leader Targeted in US-Nigerian Operation
US and Nigerian authorities say ISIS-linked commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki has been killed in a joint counterterrorism operation in northeastern Nigeria, in a development that raises fresh questions about Islamic State operations across West Africa and ongoing security coordination in the region. The operation reportedly took place in Borno State, a long-standing centre of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activity and one of the most vo…
DHQ: No Foreign Soldier involved in Ground Battle Against...
No foreign soldier participated in the operation that eliminated terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, has said. According to NAN, Onoja said this in a monitored television programme where he gave update on the operation. Onoja was quoted to have said the United States only provided intelligence and surveillance assistance. “There were no foreign boots on the ground during this ope…
UPDATED: Falana faults Tinubu, Trump over reported killing of ISIS leader in Nigeria
Mr Falana appears to rely on an April 2024 announcement by the Defence Headquarters naming Abu Bilal Minuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, among 11 notorious terrorist commanders killed by Nigerian troops between January and March 2024. The post UPDATED: Falana faults Tinubu, Trump over reported killing of ISIS leader in Nigeria appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
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