Nigerian Army Confirms Killing of ISIS Leader Abu Bilal Arminuki
The Nigerian Army has announced the death of ISIS leader Abu Bilal Arminuki as a result of a joint counter-terrorism operation conducted in collaboration with the US military. This carefully orchestrated mission successfully targeted one of the most prominent figures in the global ISIS network.
This confirmation follows an earlier statement from US President Donald Trump, who disclosed that US and Nigerian forces worked together to eliminate a key figure in a global terrorist organization. On Friday, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to reveal that the operation was executed at his directive and involved significant strategic planning.
In a detailed statement from the Nigerian Army, Major General Samaira Uba, the Director-General of Defense Intelligence, emphasized that the operation was made possible through enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing between Nigeria and the United States. Major General Uba stated, “This precision operation resulted from the strengthening U.S.-Nigeria partnership and intelligence-sharing efforts. Together, we have disrupted a violent terrorist network that poses a threat to both Nigeria and the broader West African region.” He noted that this operation marked a significant stride in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism not just in Nigeria, but across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
The Army’s statement elaborated on Abu Bilal Arminuki, describing him as a crucial operational and strategic player within ISIS. His role extended to providing guidance on media operations, economic warfare, and the development of weapons and drones for terrorist activities outside Nigeria.
According to General Uba, intelligence reports suggest that al-Minuki may have been promoted to lead the National Directorate in February 2026, making him the second-highest-ranking leader within the ISIS hierarchy. He had previously served as the head of the Nigeria-based Al-Furqan GDP Bureau in 2023, where he directed operations throughout the Sahel and West Africa, especially targeting civilian populations and minority communities.
The military spokesperson pointed out that this notorious terrorist leader had maintained crucial operational connections between ISIS and West Africa, claiming involvement in incidents such as the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping, which saw over 100 schoolgirls abducted. Intelligence records reveal that from March 2015 to early 2016, al-Minuki facilitated the movement of fighters into Libya to bolster ISIS’s activities in North Africa.
Prior to his allegiance to ISIS in 2015, al-Minuki was a recognized leader within Boko Haram, further exemplifying the tangled web of terror networks in the region. The Nigerian Armed Forces reaffirmed that the success of this operation underscores Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to combating terrorism and thwarting the capabilities of extremist groups that threaten regional and global security.
General Uba highlighted that this mission showcased the crucial importance of Nigeria-US cooperation, emphasizing the role of intelligence sharing and coordinated military actions in tackling transnational terrorism. He commended the bravery and professionalism of all personnel involved in the operation and acknowledged the sustained partnership and support from the US military in the collective fight against terrorism. The Nigerian Armed Forces remains resolutely focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure, safeguarding civilians, and promoting enduring peace and stability across Nigeria and the wider region.
