A major counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces has resulted in the killing of a top ISIS commander and more than 20 militants in northeastern Nigeria.
The operation, which took place in the Metele area of Borno State near the Lake Chad Basin, targeted fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an ISIS-affiliated extremist group that has remained active in Nigeria’s northeast for years. According to military officials, the strikes were carried out between May 15 and May 17, 2026, with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Among those killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by U.S. authorities as the global second-in-command of ISIS and one of the group’s most influential operational leaders. Reports say al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, played a major role in coordinating ISIS activities across West Africa, including logistics, propaganda operations and weapons development.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the success of the mission, praising the cooperation between American and Nigerian forces. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also commended the operation, describing it as a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
The U.S. Africa Command confirmed that no American or Nigerian troops were injured during the operation. Military officials stated that the offensive also destroyed several ISIS hideouts and weakened the group’s operational network in the region.
Security analysts believe the killing of al-Minuki represents one of the biggest blows dealt to ISIS-linked groups operating in West Africa in recent years. However, experts also warn that insurgent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to threaten communities across Borno State and neighbouring regions despite ongoing military offensives.
