'Not Same Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki Killed in 2024' - DHQ Clarifies Identity of Dead ISWAP Commander
Nigeria and the United States said the strike killed a senior ISWAP operative, with officials blaming 2024 military misinformation for the confusion.
- On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Nigeria and the United States Africa Command conducted a joint operation that killed ISWAP terrorist commander Bilal Al-Minuki in the Lake Chad Basin.
- The Nigerian military previously announced the commander's death in 2024, creating public skepticism; Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson, clarified that the military's earlier information was inaccurate.
- According to intelligence sources, Onanuga adds, the operation resulted from prolonged Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance efforts beginning in December 2025; authorities are now 100 per cent certain of the identity.
- President Donald Trump called the attack a "meticulously planned and very complex mission" carried out in partnership with Nigerian forces, while President Tinubu praised the collaboration.
- Designated a "global terrorist" in 2023, Mr Al-Mainuki is linked to international operations; officials compared this verification to the global campaign against ISIS, where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death took four years to confirm.
19 Articles
19 Articles
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…
Islamic State leader Al-Muniki was not killed in 2024 but killed today - Presidency
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Nigeria and the US announced that a joint military operation led to the killing of the terrorist early on Saturday. The post Islamic State leader Al-Muniki was not killed in 2024 but killed today – Presidency appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
5 ways to hedge against an inflation spike, plus what it's like to work for Cathie Wood
The Presidency has reiterated that there is no reason to doubt that AbuBilal AlManuki, a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has been eliminated, as confirmed by Nigerias security authorities, stressing the latest operation was built on months of verified intelligence and carried out with precision.The post Al-Manuki has been killed Presidency appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
President Tinubu confirms k!lling of ISIS top leader Al-Manuki in fresh US-Nigeria operation - Newsy People
President Tinubu has confirmed the k!lling of an ISIS top commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a fresh US-Nigeria joint operation. In a statement personally signed by him and released on Saturday, May 16, President Tinubu noted that the operation was achieved “overnight”. “Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
