The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described as a senior leader of the Islamic State, during a coordinated air-land operation in Metele area of Borno State.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.

The statement said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) following sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts.

It added that the mission targeted a concealed and fortified terrorist enclave located in Metele within the Lake Chad Basin axis.

According to the statement, the operation led to the neutralisation of Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, alongside several of his lieutenants and other terrorist combatants.

The military said the deceased commander was a United States-designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), listed in June 2023 under Executive Order 13224 for his alleged role in coordinating funding and operational activities for extremist networks across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

OPHK stated that the operation commenced at about 12:01 a.m. and ended at about 4:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026, involving precision air strikes supported by ground forces.

It further explained that special forces were deployed to block escape routes and support the air component during the operation.

The statement added that the mission was executed without casualties or equipment loss on the part of friendly forces.

Battle Damage Assessment is ongoing, while follow-up exploitation operations are being conducted to clear remaining terrorist elements in the area.

Operation Hadin Kai described the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North-East, noting that it would significantly degrade the operational capacity of Islamic State West Africa Province and affiliated networks in the region. (Zagazola)

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