International
oi-Oneindia English Desk
Washington has confirmed that American and Nigerian forces have killed Abu-Bilal al‑Minuki, the man described as the global number two within ISIS. The announcement came directly from President Donald Trump, who praised the mission as a “flawlessly executed” strike against one of the world’s most dangerous extremists.
Trump revealed that the operation was carried out in Nigeria, with intelligence sources tracking al‑Minuki’s movements across Africa. “He thought he could hide in Africa,” the President wrote on Truth Social, adding that the militant “will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.”
American and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s global number two and commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in Nigeria, confirmed US President Donald Trump.
The President hailed the collaboration with Nigeria, declaring that the removal of al‑Minuki had “greatly diminished” ISIS’s global reach. He concluded his statement with thanks to the Nigerian government and a patriotic flourish: “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Who was Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki?
Al‑Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al‑Mainuki, was regarded as a senior figure within ISIS, serving as deputy to the group’s global leader. According to the Counter Extremism Project, he operated largely in the Sahel – a vast semi‑arid belt stretching nearly 6,000 kilometres across Africa, from Senegal in the west to Eritrea in the east.
The region has long been a hotspot for militant activity, with porous borders and fragile states offering fertile ground for extremist networks.
Within ISIS’s structure, al‑Minuki commanded the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and oversaw operations in the Lake Chad basin. His role extended beyond battlefield leadership; he was instrumental in funnelling international funding and strategic guidance to local terror cells.
Recognising his influence, the US State Department designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in June 2023. That status underscored his importance within ISIS’s hierarchy and made him a high‑priority target for counter‑terrorism forces.
