Nigeria Denies ISIS Commander Al-Manuki's Death Claims

The Nigerian presidency, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, dismissed reports claiming that ISIS commander Abu Bilal Al-Manuki had been killed, stating that earlier announcements were based on mistaken identity. Onanuga clarified that Al-Manuki's name appeared among suspects killed in a 2024 operation in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

Security officials confirmed that the earlier reports were inaccurate and emphasized the importance of intelligence in counterinsurgency operations. The operation to capture Al-Manuki was authorized following months of surveillance, including phone intercepts initiated in December 2025.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed Al-Manuki's role as a senior commander within the Islamic State West Africa Province.

President Bola Tinubu praised the operation as a significant blow to ISIS and highlighted the partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in combating terrorism. Al-Manuki, born in 1982 in Borno State, was designated a global terrorist by the U.S.

Department of State in June 2023.