Nigerian military confirms killing of top ISIS leader al-Minuki
The Defence Headquarters has announced the death of senior ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation with United States forces. According to Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, al-Minuki played a crucial role in ISIS’s weapons manufacturing, drone development, and global media operations. The operation is described as a “major breakthrough” in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the Sahel region. Al-Minuki was also previously linked to Boko Haram and several high-profile attacks.
What we know
- Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed in a joint Nigerian and US counterterrorism operation.
- He was described as the “second in command of ISIS globally” and a key figure in the group’s global network.
- Intelligence indicates that, as recently as February 2026, al-Minuki may have been elevated to Head of the ISIS General Directorate of States.
- Before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, he was a prominent leader within Boko Haram.
- Al-Minuki was linked to the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping and served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked operations in West Africa.
