Joint Nigeria-US Operation Kills ISIS Deputy Leader, Senior ISWAP Commanders in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working in coordination with the United States Africa Command, have carried out a major counter-terrorism operation in Borno State that reportedly led to the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as the global second-in-command of ISIS and a top ISWAP leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region.
Military authorities described the operation as one of the most significant breakthroughs recorded in the North-East insurgency campaign since the launch of Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the military, the joint operation was conducted in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026, following weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated reconnaissance missions. The target location was a fortified terrorist enclave in Metele, located within Sector 3 of the operation area in Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was a globally designated terrorist linked to ISIS operations across West Africa and the Sahel. He had reportedly been sanctioned by the United States government in 2023 for coordinating international funding and operational support for extremist cells in the region.
The operation involved precision airstrikes supported by ground forces and special operations teams deployed to block escape routes and secure the area. Several air assets were reportedly used in the coordinated assault, which lasted for about four hours.
Military authorities confirmed that Al-Minuki was killed alongside several senior commanders, lieutenants, and multiple fighters during the operation.
The Armed Forces also stated that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded among the participating forces, describing the mission as a demonstration of growing military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in tackling terrorism.
Troops are currently conducting follow-up clearance and exploitation operations aimed at dismantling remaining splinter cells and preventing any regrouping by insurgents within the area.
The operation has reportedly drawn international attention, with the United States acknowledging the success of the joint mission and commending the collaboration with Nigerian forces in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
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