RismadarVoice Reporters, May 16, 2026
United States President, Donald Trump has announced the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, an alleged second-in-command of the Islamic State (ISIL), following a joint military operation carried out by American and Nigerian forces.
Trump disclosed the development on Friday, describing the operation as a carefully coordinated mission that successfully targeted one of the group’s most prominent leaders. He said the operation was executed through collaboration between US forces and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to the US President, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki had been under American sanctions since 2023 over his alleged involvement with the extremist group and was identified as a senior figure responsible for coordinating activities within the organisation’s global network.
Trump commended Nigeria for its cooperation in the operation, expressing optimism that the development would weaken the group’s global activities.
The announcement comes amid intensified security efforts aimed at combating extremist groups operating within the Lake Chad region and other parts of West Africa.
