Nigerian Army Reveals How Joint Operation With US Killed ISIS Leader

The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, has confirmed the death of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as a senior figure within the Islamic State, during a coordinated military offensive in Metele, Borno State.

Naija News reports that the operation was carried out in conjunction with the United States Africa Command.

In a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba said troops attacked following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.

Sani said troops targeted a heavily fortified terrorist hideout in the Metele area of the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, the operation resulted in the killing of Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, alongside several commanders and other fighters linked to the extremist group.

The military noted that Al-Minuki had been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States in June 2023 under Executive Order 13224 over allegations bordering on the coordination of funding and operational support for extremist cells across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

Operation Hadin Kai said the assault began at about 12:01 a.m. on May 16 and concluded around 4:00 a.m., with precision air strikes backed by ground troops.

It added that special forces units were strategically positioned to cut off escape routes and provide support for the air component of the mission.

The task force stated that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded among the troops involved in the operation.

It further disclosed that battle damage assessment and follow-up clearance operations were continuing in the area to track down any surviving insurgents.

The military described the operation as a significant achievement in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North-East, saying it would weaken the operational strength of the Islamic State West Africa Province and allied terrorist networks operating within the region.