The Federal Government has confirmed the death of Abu Bilal Al Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS, following a joint military operation conducted by Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command in the Lake Chad region.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, the operation was the result of careful planning and coordinated execution by the armed forces of both countries, and was carried out only hours earlier.
The targeted individual, Abu Bilal Al Minuki, was reportedly linked to a series of recent attacks on military formations in Nigeria’s North East.
The Ministry further stated that the success of the mission underscores the strengthening security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
It also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security, while acknowledging the support of the United States government in the fight against terrorism.
Nigeria-US military confirms death of ISIS top commander
The statement reads in part:
“A Joint Operation by the Nigerian Military and the United States Africa Command has killed Abu Bilal Al Minuki, the Second in Command of ISIS, in the Lake Chad Area. The operation was carried out a few hours ago after meticulous planning and successful execution by the Armed Forces of the two Countries,”
“Abu Bilal Al Minuki was responsible for some of the recent attacks on Military formations in the North East.”
“Special thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to keeping Nigeria safe and high commendations to the Government of the United States of America for their partnership and support in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.”
