Operation Against Senior ISIS Leader Yields No Soldier Casualties – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that no Nigerian soldiers were killed during the operation that neutralised the terrorist commander Abu Bilal Al‑Minuki.

Maj‑Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated this on Saturday while speaking on a television programme monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Onoja described the mission as a carefully planned precision strike against a high‑value terrorist target.

He said the operation demonstrated the professionalism, discipline and tactical readiness of the troops involved.

“We are happy to state that due to our troops’ professionalism, there was no loss of life on our side,” Onoja said.

According to him, the operation was based on detailed intelligence and close operational coordination.

Earlier reports that Al‑Minuki had died in 2024 were based on mistaken identity, he clarified.

Onoja confirmed that the individual neutralised was the original Abu Bilal Al‑Minuki, who had used multiple aliases to evade detection for years. “This individual has been on international watchlists for a very long time,” he added.

He noted that security records linked the commander to several global monitoring agencies, including the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Nigeria.

Onoja said months of intelligence gathering led troops to the terrorist’s exact location, and the final operation was launched only after commanders confirmed credible intelligence.

Regarding foreign involvement, he stated that no foreign soldiers participated in the mission. “The United States only provided intelligence and surveillance assistance. There were no foreign boots on the ground during this operation. What we received were intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force enablers,” he said.

He added that Nigeria would continue to strengthen strategic security partnerships to combat terrorism.

Onoja also mentioned that other notorious terrorist leaders remain under active surveillance, specifically naming wanted bandit leader Bello Turji. “He cannot hide forever. It is only a matter of time,” he urged citizens to support military operations with timely information.

He warned that ransom payments often strengthen criminal networks and prolong insecurity.

He reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore peace across affected communities in Nigeria.

(NAN)

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