Bilal Al-Minuki killed in 2024′ – DHQ clarifies identity of dead ISWAP commander – Daily Post Nigeria
Defence Headquarters Clarifies Identity of Neutralized Terrorist Commander
The Defence Headquarters has addressed recent public discourse regarding the neutralization of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a notable terrorist commander.
According to the DAILY POST, a joint operation conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Africa Command on May 16, 2026, resulted in Al-Minuki’s death.
This announcement follows media references to a similar operation in 2024 that reportedly involved a terrorist commander with the same name, prompting inquiries about the identity of the individual recently killed.
In a statement issued by Somalia Uba, Director of Defence Information, the Defence Headquarters emphasized that the use of similar or identical names is common among members of ISWAP and Boko Haram operating in the North East region and across the Lake Chad Basin. Uba explained that this practice is a strategic measure designed to obscure identities and has been observed in past counter-terrorism efforts in Northeast Nigeria.
“The Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki eliminated on May 16, 2026, has been positively identified through human intelligence and technical surveillance as a senior global operative within the Islamic State network. He had direct links to international terrorist coordination, funding, and operations throughout the Sahel, leaving no doubt regarding his identity,” the statement read.
The Defence Headquarters described the operation as a significant success in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in partnership with the United States, remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks and continue to advocate for the dissemination of verified information through official channels.
They urged the public and media to rely on authorized sources to avoid confusion stemming from coincidental name similarities.
