Nigeria, US Forces Eliminate Top ISIS Commander Linked to Dapchi Kidnap

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

One of the world’s most wanted ISIS terrorists, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, has been neutralised in a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with United States forces.

The operation, described as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, was carried out through coordinated intelligence sharing and military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters said the precision operation successfully eliminated a senior ISIS operational commander linked to terrorist activities across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, and other regions.

According to the military, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a key ISIS strategic figure who provided guidance to ISIS affiliates outside Nigeria on media operations, economic warfare, and the development of weapons, explosives, and drones.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that intelligence reports indicated Minuki may have been elevated in February 2026 to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure within the global ISIS hierarchy.

Meanwhile, the terrorist leader previously served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, coordinating ISIS-linked operations across West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians and minority communities.

Military authorities also linked Minuki to the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls and revealed that he maintained longstanding operational ties with ISIS-West Africa.Intelligence records further showed that between March 2015 and early 2016, the slain terrorist facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.

Before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, Minuki was reportedly a prominent commander within the Boko Haram insurgent group.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria said the operation underscored the country’s determination to confront terrorism and prevent extremist groups from threatening national, regional, and international security.

Meanwhile, the military described the operation as a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States in combating transnational terrorist networks through intelligence sharing and coordinated military action.

The Defence Headquarters commended personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and gallantry and appreciated the continued support of United States forces in the collective fight against terrorism.

The Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria and the wider region.