…Says, intelligence confirmed al-Minuki fortified his enclave in Borno
The Nigerian Army has released the details of how Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the slain second-in-command of ISIS was killed in a Joint Operations.
The Army specifically said that the operation was the culmination of a protracted joint intelligence effort involving legal intercept operations and sustained reconnaissance that achieved full target development and fidelity.
It further said that the operation involved several air platforms in a synchronised air-land configuration that left the terrorists with no avenue of escape, adding that the operation was executed following authorisation from the Military High Command.
The Army also said that the operation underscored the highest levels of institutional coordination and strategic decision-making that underpinned the success of this mission.
These were contained in a statement by Sani Uba, the media information officer, headquarters Joint Task Force (North-east), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in which he said that the decisive operation that led to the killing of al-Minuki commenced in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026.
According to Uba, the US and Nigerian troops conducted what he described as “precision air-ground operations” on the confirmed location while special forces were deployed to provide security and deny escape routes.
He further said that the operation was executed without any loss, casualties or assets, and insisted that al-Minuki and his fighters were neutralised.
In the words of Uba; “The operation, which commenced at approximately 0001 hours and concluded at about 0400 hours, Saturday 16 May 2026.
“Following confirmed intelligence that Al-Minuki and his international terrorist cell had established a concealed and fortified enclave at Metele in Borno State within Sector 3 OPHK, the US partners in conjunction with OPHK conducted precision air – ground operations on the confirmed location while Special Forces were deployed to provide security and deny escape routes as well as to extract any of the Teams or air platforms in distress.
“The operation was executed with zero casualties or loss of assets, a testament to the exceptional planning, superior tactical execution and the deepening synergy between Nigerian and US military forces in the global fight against terrorism,” it stated.
The Army further said that late Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the slain second-in-command of ISIS, created “a concealed and fortified enclave” at Metele Borno state.
President Donald Trump of the United States had on Saturday morning announced his Truth Social handle that al-Minuki was eliminated in a “meticulously planned and very complex” mission involving the Nigerian and American troops.
The U.S. President described the slain al-Minuki as the “most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield”, stressing that his elimination will greatly diminish ISIS globally.
Trump accorded recognition to the federal government of Nigeria for its “partnership” in the operation that led to the killing of al-Minuki.
