Major Blow to ISIS: US and Nigeria Team Up to Eliminate Key Terror Leader

Significant Counterterrorism Success

Washington: President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS's global second-in-command, following a collaborative operation executed by American and Nigerian military forces.

In a message shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that the operation was conducted under his guidance, showcasing the teamwork between US and Nigerian security personnel.

He remarked, "Tonight, at my direction, courageous American troops and the Nigerian Armed Forces successfully carried out a carefully orchestrated and intricate mission to remove one of the world's most active terrorists from the battlefield."

Trump emphasized that al-Minuki believed he could evade capture in Africa, unaware that US intelligence was monitoring his activities. He asserted that with al-Minuki's elimination, ISIS's capacity to instill fear in Africa and plot attacks against Americans has been significantly weakened.

The President also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its collaboration and assistance during the operation.

Reports indicate that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was a prominent figure in ISIS's hierarchy, serving as the organization's global deputy commander.

Due to his influential position within the terrorist group, he was sanctioned by the US Department of State in 2023 under Executive Order 13224, aimed at individuals and entities involved in terrorism financing and activities.

According to the Counter Extremism Project, al-Mainuki primarily operated in the Sahel region of Africa, which spans nearly 12 countries.

The report further highlighted his role as a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), overseeing operations related to the Lake Chad division under ISIS's General Directorate of Provinces (GDP).