The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has released footage from a military operation that killed senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in northeastern Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday, AFRICOM said the operation was carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government and under the authorization of President Donald Trump and the U.S. Secretary of War.
According to the command, several ISIS operatives were killed during the strike, including al-Minuki, who was identified as the group’s director of global operations.
AFRICOM described the mission as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin, where Nigerian and allied forces have continued operations against extremist groups.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, U.S. Africa Command conducted an operation against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria on May 16, 2026,” the statement said.
Commander of U.S. Africa Command, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, said the operation reflected growing military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.
“As President Trump shared last night, AFRICOM in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria conducted a successful mission that resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and multiple other ISIS leaders,” Anderson said.
He added that no U.S. personnel were injured during the operation.
AFRICOM said al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS operations globally, overseeing media activities, financial coordination, and the development of weapons, explosives, and drones.
The command also linked him to the planning of attacks and hostage-taking operations carried out by the extremist group.
