Published：May 15, 16:00Last updated：May 18, 16:36

Joint US-Nigeria Operation Kills Senior ISIS Leader and Militants in Nigeria

May. 15, 2026 16:00

On May 16, Nigerian President Tinubu confirmed that a senior IS leader, Abu-Bilal Minuki, was killed in a joint military operation with the U.S. The operation targeted Minuki's residence in the Lake Chad Basin, resulting in his death along with several associates. U.S. President Trump also confirmed the news.

Summarized

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35Media

May. 18, 2026 14:35

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Nigeria, killing ISIS fighters. The operation was coordinated with Nigerian forces. This follows President Trump’s announcement of the death of ISIS’s global leader. The strikes aim to curb ISIS activities in the region. Published on May 18, 2026.

May. 18, 2026 16:36

Joint US and Nigerian military operations resulted in the deaths of 20 jihadists in northern Nigeria. The strikes occurred shortly after the announcement of the killing of a high-profile IS leader. Meanwhile, gunmen attacked residents in Katsina State, killing at least 10 people. The operations highlight ongoing security challenges in the region. The collaboration underscores efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria.

In a significant counterterrorism operation, U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted joint airstrikes in northern Nigeria, resulting in the death of senior ISIS figure Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and over 20 militants from ISIS-West Africa. The operation, which took place on May 16, 2026, targeted regrouping militants in Borno State, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced al-Minuki's elimination via his Truth Social platform, describing it as a major victory in the fight against global terrorism. Despite Trump's claims, al-Minuki was not the global second-in-command of ISIS. This marks the second U.S. military intervention in Nigeria within five months, reflecting continued collaboration between the two nations. Bloomberg+2

🌍 Operation Details

The joint operation targeted Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a high-ranking ISIS leader responsible for extremist activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Nigerian authorities confirmed his death, noting his role in coordinating terrorist operations in the region. Al-Minuki had been designated as a "specially designated global terrorist" by the Biden administration in 2023, making his elimination a priority for international security. The mission also resulted in the deaths of over 20 ISIS-West Africa militants, disrupting their regrouping efforts in Borno State. France 24+2

🤝 US-Nigeria Collaboration

Trump praised the strategic partnership between U.S. and Nigerian forces, emphasizing the importance of their cooperation in combating terrorism. This joint operation highlights strengthened bilateral ties, particularly in addressing ISIS's expanding influence in Africa. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed gratitude for U.S. support, underscoring the significance of the collaboration. The operation follows Trump's previous statements condemning alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, adding geopolitical context to the military action. Bloomberg+2

🎯 Impact on ISIS

The death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and over 20 militants deals a significant blow to ISIS-West Africa's operational capabilities. Trump framed the mission as a major counterterrorism victory, emphasizing continued U.S. commitment to dismantling terrorist networks worldwide. Experts suggest this could disrupt ISIS's activities in Africa, though the group's decentralized nature may limit long-term impacts. Al-Minuki was suspected of involvement in the abduction of over 100 schoolgirls in 2018, further highlighting the importance of his elimination. France 24+2

ISISNigeriaDonald TrumpAbu-Bilal al-MinukiUS-Nigeria collaboration

topic.regionalNarratives

United States

Coverage highlights recent US airstrikes in northern Nigeria targeting Islamic militants, emphasizing ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region.

China

Reporting centers on joint Nigerian-US airstrikes in northeast Nigeria, which killed over 20 ISIS-West Africa militants.

Canada

Coverage emphasizes a joint Nigerian-US operation in Borno State that killed over 20 Islamic State group militants.

France

Reporting details the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior IS group figure, in a joint US-Nigerian operation.

Germany

Coverage highlights joint US-Nigerian operations in northern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 20 jihadists and ongoing security challenges.

Russia

Coverage details the joint US-Nigerian operation that eliminated ISIS's second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as announced by President Trump.

Japan

Coverage emphasizes the joint US-Nigerian operation that eliminated ISIS's second-in-command, as announced by President Trump.

South Korea

Reporting highlights the successful joint operation against ISIS's second-in-command Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, as announced by Presidents Trump and Tinubu.