A senior Islamic State (ISIS) commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, has been killed in Nigeria in a joint military operation involving United States and Nigerian forces.
US President Donald Trump announced the development on his social media platform, X, saying the operation was carried out by American forces in coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Trump described Al-Minuki as the “second in command of ISIS globally” and said the mission was carefully planned and executed against what he called a high-value terrorist target.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump said.
He said intelligence reports had tracked the movement of the ISIS leader, who he claimed was hiding in Africa.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” he added, thanking the Nigerian government for its cooperation.
According to the US Federal Register, Al-Minuki was designated a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” in 2023 under the administration of former President Joe Biden.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed the operation, releasing footage of the strike and stating that multiple terrorists were killed.
In a statement, AFRICOM said the operation was conducted on 16 May 2026 under the direction of the US President and Secretary of War, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria.
It said initial assessments indicated that Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described as the ISIS director of global operations, and other senior commanders were killed in the strike in northeastern Nigeria.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, U.S. Africa Command conducted an operation against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria on May 16, 2026,” the command said.
It added that no US personnel were injured and described the operation as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM, said the mission highlighted strong bilateral security cooperation between both countries.
“This operation underscores the exceptional value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and was made possible through the cooperation and coordination of our forces in recent months,” he said.
He added that both countries remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist networks.
Separately, President Bola Tinubu confirmed the operation in a statement, describing it as a successful joint strike against ISIS elements in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu said.
He said early assessments confirmed the elimination of Al-Minuki and several of his lieutenants during the operation.
Tinubu commended the armed forces of both countries for their professionalism and courage, and expressed appreciation to the United States for its support.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” he said.
He added that Nigeria remained committed to continued operations against terrorist enclaves across the country.
