US President Donald Trump has announced that American and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the “second in command of ISIS globally,” during a joint military operation in Africa.
Trump disclosed this in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the operation as “flawlessly executed” and aimed at eliminating “the most active terrorist in the world.”
Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States in 2023.
The Nigerian military had yet to officially comment on the operation as of the time of filing this report.
If confirmed, the killing would represent another major blow to the Islamic State group following the death of its former leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2019.
According to reports, al-Minuki coordinated ISIS-linked operations across Africa, particularly through the Islamic State West Africa Province operating within the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region, with links extending into Niger, Chad, and Mali.
Trump, however, did not disclose details regarding the exact location or timeline of the operation.
The US President described the development as a significant disruption to ISIS’ African and global operations, including its command structure and funding networks.
He also commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation in the anti-terror mission.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump stated.
Nigeria and the United States have strengthened military cooperation in recent years as both countries intensify efforts to combat extremist violence across West Africa.
In April, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack in Nigeria’s north-eastern Adamawa State where gunmen killed at least 29 people at a football viewing centre.
Last Christmas, US and Nigerian forces reportedly carried out a joint airstrike in Sokoto State targeting ISIS-linked fighters.
