By SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN

The reported neutralisation of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) globally and one of the most influential commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with scores of other terrorists, through a joint operation involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United States military, represents an extraordinary milestone in the long and arduous counter-terrosim efforts and war against terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. If sustained and properly consolidated, this unprecedented feat may well be remembered as one of the most consequential counter-terrorism successes in our national history.

For over one and a half decades, Nigeria has borne the devastating burden of terrorism unleashed by Boko Haram and its splinter groups, particularly ISWAP. Thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives. Communities have been destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and millions displaced. Military units, critical national infrastructure, schools, places of worship and entire communities have repeatedly come under attack. Yet, despite these painful realities, the resilience of the Nigerian people and the courage, sacrifices and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have remained steadfast and optimistic.

Against this backdrop, the reported precision air-land operation conducted at Metele in Borno State under the auspices of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, in close collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), deserves commendation and national recognition beyond just the newspaper headlines and breaking news. The operation, according to official statements from Nigerian authorities, was the culmination of painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition and operational planning. Such coordination, reportedly involving precision strikes and ground force containment measures, demonstrates the increasing sophistication and maturity of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and architecture.

What makes this operation particularly significant is not merely the elimination of a high-profile terrorist leader, but the symbolism and strategic consequences attached to it. If indeed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki occupied the exalted but ignoble operational position attributed to him within the ISIS global network, then his elimination sends a clear message to terrorist organisations everywhere: there will be no sanctuary for those who orchestrate violence against innocent populations and sovereign nations.

It is therefore fitting to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for providing strategic leadership and political support to the Armed Forces in prosecuting the counter-insurgency campaign. His public acknowledgement of the operation and appreciation of international collaboration demonstrates a leadership posture committed to national security and international partnerships.

Equally deserving of commendation are the Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and other security forces, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, whose courage, resilience and professionalism have continued to deny terrorists freedom of action in the North East theatre. The sacrifices of these brave men and women, often operating under extremely difficult conditions and in hostile terrain, should never be taken for granted. They continue to stand as the last line of defence between law-abiding citizens and forces of chaos. The leadership and command of Operation HADIN KAI and the support of well-meaning and law-abiding people of the north east deserve a pat on the back.

The operational and intelligence personnel involved in this mission, including air and ground components, also deserve special recognition. Successful counter-terrorism operations of this nature are rarely accidental. They are products of meticulous planning, sustained surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, operational discipline and strategic patience. That the operation was reportedly executed without casualties or loss of assets further attests to the professionalism, competence and preparedness of the personnel involved.

The role of the United States government and military authorities also merits acknowledgement. Counter-terrorism today is increasingly transnational in nature, requiring intelligence sharing, technological cooperation and operational synergy among partners. Terrorists and insurgent organisations exploit societal vulnerabilities, porous borders, digital networks, illicit financing and regional instability. Consequently, no nation can effectively confront such threats in isolation. The reported cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, therefore, serves as a worthy model of strategic partnership in confronting shared security challenges.

Indeed, the commendation reportedly issued by President Donald J Trump on the operation and the collaborative disposition of both nations reinforces the importance of international solidarity in defeating violent extremism. Terrorism is not merely Nigeria’s problem; it is a global menace that threatens international peace, economic stability and human security.

However, while this development deserves celebration, it must not lead to complacency. History teaches us that terrorist groups are adaptive, opportunistic and often quick to regenerate leadership structures after suffering battlefield setbacks. Therefore, the elimination of a major commander and a handful of his loyalists, however significant, must be viewed as a strategic opportunity to intensify and consolidate gains rather than a signal of mission accomplished.

This is why the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force must seize this momentum to relentlessly pursue remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across the Lake Chad Basin, Mandara Mountains and anywhere else. Follow-on operations, sustained intelligence exploitation, denial of safe havens and coordinated offensives must continue with renewed vigour. Terrorist regrouping must be prevented at all costs.

More importantly, there is an urgent need to deepen and expand collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon, Chad and the Niger Republic, under the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force. Terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin is regional in character and therefore demands regional solutions. Criminal and terrorist elements exploit border vulnerabilities, governance gaps and local grievances to sustain their activities. Stronger military cooperation, intelligence fusion, joint patrols, clearance operations and harmonised operational strategies among these countries are therefore indispensable.

At the same time, Nigerians themselves must recognise that the fight against insurgency is not the sole responsibility of the military or the security forces alone. Citizens have important roles to play through vigilance, information sharing, community resilience and support for lawful authorities. Intelligence provided by local communities has repeatedly proven decisive in disrupting terrorist activities. Communities must therefore reject fear and refuse to provide shelter, sympathy or logistical support to violent extremists.

Likewise, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, public opinion moulders, civil society organisations and the media must continue to support national counter-terrorism objectives through constructive engagement, public sensitisation and responsible communication. We must eschew divisive, unsubstantiated and demoralising statements. Terrorists thrive on propaganda, misinformation and fear. Society must deny them these advantages.

As a retired senior military officer who proudly and gallantly took part in the counterinsurgency efforts and has closely observed Nigeria’s security trajectory and understands the sacrifices of our troops, I remain cautiously optimistic. The destruction of Boko Haram and ISWAP is possible. It is difficult, certainly, but it is achievable and doable. Other nations have confronted seemingly intractable terrorist threats and prevailed through persistence, coordination, technological superiority, political will and public support.

The present military and security architecture leadership and the brave troops on the frontlines have before them a historic opportunity. Posterity would remember them favourably if, in their time, they achieve what many Nigerians have long prayed for: the complete dismantling of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents and terror networks and the restoration of enduring peace to the North East and beyond.

This latest operation should therefore not merely be seen as a tactical victory. It should be treated as a defining strategic moment and opportunity, a morale booster for troops, a warning to terrorists, and a rallying point for national and regional unity against extremism.

Nigeria has paid dearly in blood, treasure and collective trauma. The time has come to finish this fight decisively.

May God continue to bless and protect the Armed Forces of Nigeria, security agencies and all those working tirelessly for peace and security in our nation.

•The writer, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp, is a renowned strategic communication, public relations and security expert. He is a former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesman of the Nigerian Army, former National Publicity Secretary of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), and Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

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