By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified concerns over the identity of a terrorist commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, recently neutralised in a joint operation with the United States Command.

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

Uba stated that the clarification became necessary following media reports referencing a similar operation in 2024 involving a terrorist commander bearing the same name.

He explained that the use of identical names, aliases and nom de guerre is common among ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters, often as part of strategies to obscure identities.

According to him, the Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki eliminated on May 16, 2026 has been positively identified through credible human intelligence and technical surveillance.

He described the neutralised commander as a senior global operative within the Islamic State network with direct links to international terrorist coordination, funding and operations across the Sahel.

“There is no ambiguity regarding the identity of the individual neutralised in the recent operation,” he said.

Uba noted that the operation marked a significant milestone in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with international partners.

He urged the public and media to rely on verified information from official sources to avoid confusion arising from name similarities.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dismantling terrorist networks and sustaining pressure on insurgent groups across the region. (NAN)

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