The Nigerian army says Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the slain second-in-command of ISIS, created
“a concealed and fortified enclave” at Metele in Borno state.
Earlier on Saturday, United States President Donald Trump announced that al-Minuki was killed in a “meticulously planned and very complex” mission involving Nigerian and American troops.
Trump described the slain terror leader as the “most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield”, adding that his elimination will greatly diminish ISIS globally.
The US President recognised the federal government for its “partnership” in the operation that led to the death of al-Minuki.
HOW SLAIN ISIS LEADER WAS KILLED
In a statement, Sani Uba, the media information officer, headquarters Joint Task Force (north-east), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK , said the operation that led to the killing of al-Minuki started in the early hours of Saturday.
Uba said the US and Nigerian troops conducted “precision air-ground operations on the confirmed location while special forces were deployed to provide security and deny escape routes”.
The information officer said the operation was executed without loss of casualties or assets, adding that al-Minuki and his fighters were “confirmed neutralised”.
“The operation, which commenced at approximately 0001 hours and concluded at about 0400 hours today, Saturday 16 May 2026, was the culmination of a protracted joint intelligence effort involving legal intercept operations and sustained reconnaissance that achieved full target development and fidelity,” the statement reads.
“Following confirmed intelligence that Al-Minuki and his international terrorist cell had established a concealed and fortified enclave at Metele in Borno State within Sector 3 OPHK, the US partners in conjunction with OPHK conducted precision air – ground operations on the confirmed location while Special Forces were deployed to provide security and deny escape routes as well as to extract any of the Teams or air platforms in distress.
“The operation involved several air platforms in a synchronised air-land configuration that left the terrorists with no avenue of escape.
“The operation was executed following authorisation from the Military High Command, underscoring the highest levels of institutional coordination and strategic decision-making that underpinned the success of this mission.
“The operation was executed with zero casualties or loss of assets, a testament to the exceptional planning, superior tactical execution and the deepening synergy between Nigerian and US military forces in the global fight against terrorism.”
