Metele, Borno State, Nigeria — In a precision joint counter-terrorism operation, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian forces neutralized Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally and a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with several of his lieutenants and other fighters.

The operation took place overnight on May 15-16, 2026, targeting a fortified compound in Metele, Borno State, within Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin region. It began around 0001 hours and concluded by approximately 0400 hours, following months of joint intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the success, stating that at his direction, American and Nigerian forces executed a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” to eliminate “the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.” Trump noted that al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, had sought to hide in Africa but was tracked through intelligence sources.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the outcome in a statement, describing the strike on al-Minuki’s compound as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.” Nigerian military officials from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) detailed that special forces supported the air-ground operation, securing the area and denying escape routes.

Al-Minuki had been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. in 2023 due to his ties to ISIS. He was reportedly the most senior ISWAP commander operating in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region, with involvement in planning attacks against regional forces.

This marks the second time Nigerian authorities have claimed his elimination; the military previously reported his death in 2024. Officials have not immediately released further details addressing the discrepancy.

The Lake Chad Basin has long served as a stronghold for ISIS-affiliated groups, including ISWAP and remnants of Boko Haram, contributing to ongoing instability across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. Both Trump and Tinubu hailed the operation as a major blow to ISIS networks, disrupting command structures, funding, and operational capabilities in Africa.

nytimes.comNo immediate reports of civilian casualties have emerged from official statements. AFRICOM has not issued additional public comment beyond the presidential announcements.

The joint mission underscores strengthened U.S.-Nigeria counter-terrorism cooperation in the region.