17.05.2026 11:30
The Nigerian army stated that there were no foreign soldiers on the ground during the operation that neutralized Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS's global operations. Officials noted that the US provided only intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. The operation, which followed months of intelligence work, reportedly resulted in no casualties for the Nigerian army. US President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation.
The Nigerian army has announced that no foreign soldiers took part in the operation that neutralized Abu Bilal al-Minuki, who is considered the second-in-command of ISIS's global operations.
According to the Nigerian News Agency, Defense Media Operations Director Major General Michael Onoja provided details about the operation during a television program he attended.
“THE US ONLY PROVIDED INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT”
Onoja stated that there were no foreign soldiers on the ground during the operation, adding that the US only provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support.
Onoja said, “There were no foreign soldiers on the ground in this operation. The support we received was limited to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support, and other force multipliers.”
“THE OPERATION WAS PRECISELY PLANNED”
Onoja noted that the operation was precisely planned targeting a high-priority terrorist, and he said the professionalism and discipline level of the units involved were the main reasons for the success.
Onoja announced that the Nigerian army suffered no casualties in the operation, adding that this was possible thanks to detailed preparation and a professional approach.
TRUE IDENTITY IDENTIFIED
Onoja stated that reports claiming al-Minuki was killed in 2024 were due to mistaken identity. Emphasizing that the person neutralized yesterday was the real Abu Bilal al-Minuki, who used different aliases, Onoja said the terrorist had long been on the watch lists of the United Nations, the US, the EU, and Nigeria.
Onoja mentioned that after months of intelligence work, al-Minuki's location was identified, and the operation was initiated after confirmed information.
TRUMP HAD ANNOUNCED THE OPERATION
US President Donald Trump had announced in a post on his social media account that Abu Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of ISIS's global operations, was killed in a joint operation by US and Nigerian armed forces. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the operation.