Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIL (ISIS) commander described by the United States and Nigeria as the group’s global second-in-command, was killed during a joint military operation in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, officials said on May 16. The raid reportedly took place in Metele, near the Lake Chad Basin, a region long affected by armed violence linked to Boko Haram and ISIL-affiliated fighters.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, died alongside several lieutenants during what the Nigerian army described as a “precision air-land operation” carried out between midnight and 4am local time. US President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation.
According to Nigerian military officials, al-Minuki previously held a leading role within Boko Haram before aligning with ISIL in 2015. He was sanctioned by the US in 2023 and was accused of coordinating ISIL-linked activities across West Africa and the Sahel, including logistics, media operations and weapons production.
Security analysts say the killing could disrupt ISIL networks in West Africa, though armed groups operating around Lake Chad remain active despite years of regional military campaigns.
