Nigeria-U.S. Operation Eliminates ISWAP Commander Al Minuki

On May 16, 2026, a joint counter-terrorism operation between Nigeria and the United States resulted in the elimination of Abu Bilal al Minuki, a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with 175 of his fighters in Borno State. This operation was described as a significant blow to the terrorist organization.

U.S. President Donald Trump commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for executing a meticulous plan, while Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed gratitude for the partnership with the U.S. in combating terrorism.

U.S. Africa Command General Dagvin R. Anderson praised the Nigerian intelligence services for their role in tracking al Minuki's movements.

The operation was supported by the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), which provided critical intelligence. The operation also led to the capture of another ISWAP leader, Abdulrahman Ozovieh, believed to be behind several attacks, including a military checkpoint assault in December 2020.