A major counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian and United States forces has reportedly led to the death of a high-ranking ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, in the Lake Chad Basin.
The joint mission, which reportedly lasted over three hours, involved intense gunfire exchanges between special forces and ISIS fighters before the target was eliminated.
The operation was first made public by former U.S. President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described it as a coordinated and successful strike against terrorist networks.
According to reports citing U.S. officials, the raid involved about two dozen elite commandos, including members of the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team 6, alongside Nigerian special operations forces.
The assault reportedly took place on two small islands within the Lake Chad Basin, a region that borders Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad — all areas frequently affected by insurgent activity.
Sources said the original mission plan was to capture Al-Minuki alive, but the situation escalated into heavy combat after the suspect allegedly refused to surrender and attempted to escape.
An airstrike was later launched to neutralize the target and his fighters inside the compound.
Officials confirmed that no casualties were recorded among Nigerian or American troops during the operation.
President Tinubu also stated that several associates and lieutenants linked to the ISIS commander were killed during the mission.
Following the operation, electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops were reportedly recovered from the site and are now being analyzed by intelligence experts for information on terrorist recruitment, funding, and communication networks.
Security analysts say the materials could provide critical insight into ISIS operations across Africa and other regions.
Al-Minuki, who was designated a global terrorist in 2023, was believed to hold key leadership roles within the group, including overseeing strategic communication and international financing networks.
The operation is being described by officials as a significant blow to terrorist networks operating around the Lake Chad region.
