By SUMAILIA OGBAJE

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with United States forces, neutralised a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki in a coordinated counterterrorism operation.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Saturday in Abuja.

Uba said that the operation was meticulously planned and executed through enhanced intelligence sharing under the Nigeria-United States security partnership.

He described Al-Minuki as a high-value target and one of the most active terrorist figures within the ISIS network.

According to him, the operation marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.

“His neutralisation has disrupted a key terrorist network that posed serious threats to Nigeria and regional stability,” he said.

Uba added that Al-Minuki played a strategic and operational role within ISIS, providing guidance on media operations, economic warfare, as well as the development of weapons, explosives and drones.

He said intelligence indicated that the terrorist leader was recently elevated to a top leadership position within the global ISIS hierarchy.

“His elimination removes a critical link through which ISIS coordinate activities across multiple regions,” he noted.

The defence spokesman further disclosed that Al-Minuki had longstanding ties with ISIS-West Africa and was linked to several terrorist activities, including attacks on civilians and vulnerable communities.

He said the terrorist leader was also associated with the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls’ kidnapping and had facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya between 2015 and 2016.

Uba noted that prior to joining ISIS, Al-Minuki was a prominent member of Boko Haram.

He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorist groups and dismantling their networks.

“The success of this operation underscores the importance of international collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint military efforts in tackling transnational terrorism,” he said.

Uba commended the professionalism and gallantry of troops involved in the operation and appreciated the continued support of United States forces.

He assured that the military would sustain efforts to protect civilians and ensure peace and stability across the country and the region. (NAN)

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