Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, alleged to be one of the most influential figures within ISIS, was reportedly killed in a joint operation carried out by US and Nigerian forces. He was believed to be serving as the global second-in-command of the terror group, making him one of the most high-value targets in recent counterterror efforts.
Announcing the operation, US President Donald Trump said, “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.”
Trump also acknowledged Nigeria’s role in the operation, thanking the government for its cooperation.
Last night's operation targeted a significant presence of ISIS fighters in Northeastern Nigeria eliminating multiple high value individuals including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. pic.twitter.com/lNj4AMSITH
— U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (@USAfricaCommand) May 16, 2026
Who was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki?
Al-Minuki, who was also known by names such as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was a Nigerian national with deep links to ISIS operations across Africa. According to reports, he held a senior leadership role within the Islamic State West Africa Province, widely known as ISWAP.
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He was believed to be closely involved in coordinating activities in the Lake Chad region, a known hotspot for extremist operations. His responsibilities reportedly extended beyond local command, as he played a key part in connecting regional units with ISIS’s central leadership structure.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS…” -… pic.twitter.com/KF8MYet9CB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 16, 2026
Influence in the Sahel region
Much of Al-Minuki’s activity was concentrated in the Sahel, a vast semi-arid belt stretching across several African countries. This region has increasingly become a focal point for militant groups due to weak governance and ongoing conflicts.
Operating from this zone, he was said to have overseen the movement of resources, including funding and operational guidance, to various ISIS-linked cells. His influence made him a crucial figure in sustaining the group’s presence in Africa.
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Sanctions and designation by the US
In June 2023, the US State Department, under the administration of Joe Biden, designated Al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This classification is applied to individuals linked to major terrorist activities and enables sanctions aimed at restricting their operations and financial networks.
He was also identified by other aliases, including Abubakar Mainok and Abor Mainok, highlighting the multiple identities often used by high-ranking operatives to evade detection.
Al-Minuki’s reported role as a bridge between ISIS’s global leadership and its African branches placed him among the group’s most significant operatives. His death is being seen as a major development in ongoing efforts to weaken ISIS networks in the region.
