Nigeria-U.S. Operation Eliminates ISWAP Commander

On May 16, 2026, a joint counter-terrorism operation by 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 several of his fighters in Borno State. This operation was described as a significant blow to terrorist activities in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for executing a meticulous plan to eliminate active terrorists, highlighting the effective collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian intelligence agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The operation also led to the capture of key ISWAP figures, including Abdulrahman Ozovieh and Muhammad Alia, who were believed to be involved in various attacks and kidnappings. The successful intelligence-sharing and operational support were noted as crucial in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.