In a statement released on Saturday by Major General Samaila Uba, the military disclosed that al-Minuki was allegedly connected to the 2018 abduction of more than 100 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, including Leah Sharibu, who remains unaccounted for.

The DHQ described the operation as a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, and the wider Sahel region.

According to the statement, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, has successfully conducted a meticulously planned and highly coordinated counterterrorism operation resulting in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.”

The military added that the slain commander played a key strategic role in ISIS operations beyond Nigeria, including propaganda activities, financial coordination, weapons development, explosives manufacturing, and drone-related warfare.

It further stated that his elimination would significantly disrupt ISIS command structures and weaken coordination across multiple regions.

Military Links Commander To Dapchi Abduction

The Defence Headquarters also revealed intelligence suggesting that al-Minuki had recently risen to a senior position within the global ISIS hierarchy.

“Intelligence further indicates that, as recently as February 2026, Minuki may have been elevated to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, placing him as the second most senior leader within the ISIS global hierarchy,” the statement said.

The military explained that before joining ISIS, he was a Boko Haram commander and later aligned with ISIS operations in West Africa and the Sahel after pledging allegiance in 2015.

It also noted that in 2023, he served as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked operations across West Africa and the Sahel, including attacks targeting civilians and vulnerable communities.

The DHQ maintained that the operation reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and preventing extremist groups from destabilising the region.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterate that this successful operation demonstrates Nigeria’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and deny extremist groups the ability to threaten national, regional and international security,” the statement added.