Nigerians woke up to the news that top ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had been killed in a joint operation with US forces.

Two years before Trump’s declaration, the Defence Headquarters had announced that the ISIS commander was among terrorists neutralised during counterterrorism operations conducted in northern Nigeria between January and March 2024.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump said the killing of the suspect would weaken ISIS operations globally and reduce threats against Americans and people across Africa.

He also thanked the Nigerian government for what he described as its partnership in the operation.

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.

“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

President Bola Tinubu also confirmed the killing and thanked American forces for the collaboration.

But addressing journalists at Defence Headquarters in Abuja, then Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, had in 2024 described Minuki as head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP).

According to Buba, Minuki popularly known as Abubakar Mainok among his criminal gang members, operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway.

The former Defence spokesman said the terror commander was killed on February 21, 2024.

Buba had claimed that over 50 combatants which included Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu, among several others, were all killed within that period.

He added, “The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period Jan to Mar 2024 resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralized, 2,308 persons arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued. Furthermore, troops recovered 2,847 weapons, 58,492 ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20 bn (N20,331,713,910.00) only.”

LIKE SHEKAU, LIKE Al-Minuki

This is not the first time that the Nigerian military would be involved in a controversy over the death of a terrorists’ commander. Before his death by suicide in a rivalry battle, the military pronounced Abubakar Shekau dead, at least four times, and each time the outlaw produced proof of life evidence to embarrass the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Abubakar Shekau took over leadership of Boko Haram in 2009 following the death of Mohammed Yusuf, the group’s founder. It was reported that Shekau was killed during clashes between Nigeria’s security forces and Boko Haram.

Shekau took over leadership of the Boko Haram sect in 2009, following the death of Mohammed Yusuf, founder of the sect. By 2010, the military claimed he had been killed. But Shekau appeared in a videotaped interview admitting that although he had been shot in the thigh, he had been rescued.

By 2013, the military claimed that Shekau was shot dead between 25 July and 3 August, 2013, when a series of raids were conducted on Sambisa forest, a stronghold of Boko Haram in the North-East. But one month after, Shekau appeared in a newly released video, alive. The Nigerian military had claimed that the man was an imposter.

On August 18, 2016, the Nigerian military again claimed that several Boko Haram leaders were killed, while Shekau was “fatally wounded”, in a raid on Sambisa Forest by the Nigerian Air Force.

“The air interdiction took place last week Friday 19th August 2016, while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village, Gombale general area within Sambisa forest, Borno State,” the statement read.

“Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others, while their leader, so called “Abubakar Shekau”, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders. Several other terrorists were also wounded.”

One month later, Leo Irabor, then Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, who later rose to the position of Chief of Defence Staff, said Shekau did not refer to one particular individual but rather is a title for the leader of the Boko Haram.

Irabo noted that both the original and subsequent Shekaus had been killed by the Army.

“I can confirm to you that the original Shekau was killed, the second Shekau was killed, and the man presenting himself as Shekau, I can also confirm to you that few days ago, he was wounded,

“We are yet to confirm whether he is dead or not… they released videos to prove that they are still active, but that’s just a façade,” he had said.

But few weeks later, Shekau, flanked by two Boko Haram fighters, released a video where he made fun of the Nigerian government and swore to keep fighting.

Aside from Shekau’s incidents, there have also been cases where statements made by military authorities were debunked and labeled as propaganda.

In April, bandits raided churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing some worshippers and abducting others. The Army had claimed to have rescued 31 worshippers who were abducted during Easter service.

However, in a statement dated April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, said contrary to the rescue claims, all abducted persons remain in captivity.

Few weeks after, troops of the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army claimed that while responding to a distress call about an armed robbery in Dei Dei neighbourhood in Abuja, one Abdulsamad Jamiu, a Corps member, was caught in crossfire.

But eyewitnesses and family members strongly rejected the “crossfire” explanation, demanding justice and a transparent probe. They allege that military personnel forced their way into his bedroom and shot him in the head while he was inside, maintaining that there was no robbery or shootout in the community as of the time the incident happened.

‘Inconsistent information weakening confidence in security agencies’

Speaking on the recurring pattern of conflicting military claims in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations, security analyst Ridwan Aleshinloye warned that inconsistent information from security authorities is weakening public confidence and creating confusion in the fight against terrorism.

Aleshinloye said repeated instances where security agencies announce the killing of insurgent leaders only for such claims to later be contradicted have made many Nigerians skeptical of official statements on security matters.

He noted that such inconsistencies often create panic, tension and uncertainty, particularly in communities already affected by insurgency and violent attacks.

“People, especially in Northern Nigeria, no longer have absolute trust in information coming from security authorities because there have been cases where certain claims were later debunked or contradicted,” he said.

The analyst stressed that security agencies must ensure that sensitive information released to the public is thoroughly verified before being announced.

While describing reports of the killing of insurgent commanders as encouraging developments, he urged the military to improve its communication structure and public engagement strategy to avoid misinformation and credibility gaps. (Daily Trust)

Update news