Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Nigerian military says a top ISIS commander linked to the infamous Dapchi schoolgirls’ kidnapping has been killed during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.
Defence Headquarters identified the terrorist leader as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, describing him as one of the world’s most active ISIS operatives and a major figure in coordinating extremist activities across West Africa and beyond.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and close collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. security forces.
According to the Defence Headquarters, Minuki played a central role in ISIS operations, overseeing propaganda campaigns, weapons production, explosives development and drone technology for terrorist networks.
The military also revealed that the slain commander maintained strong ties with ISIS-West Africa and Boko Haram and was allegedly connected to the 2018 abduction of more than 100 schoolgirls from Dapchi in Yobe State.
Intelligence reports further indicate that Minuki had recently risen to one of the highest leadership positions within the global ISIS structure, making him one of the terror group’s most influential commanders worldwide.
Before joining ISIS in 2015, he was said to have been a prominent Boko Haram leader and later coordinated terrorist activities across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region.
However, the Defence headquarters said his elimination marks a major setback for terrorist operations in the region and demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to combating violent extremism through international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
The military praised the professionalism and bravery of personnel involved in the operation and appreciates the continued partnership and support of United States forces in the collective fight against terrorism.
The military also assured Nigerians that efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace across affected communities will continue.