DHQ Denies Foreign Troops Participated In Operation That Killed Al-Minuki

DHQ Denies Foreign Troops Participated In Operation That Killed Al-Minuki

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that no foreign soldier participated directly in the military operation that eliminated notorious terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, despite intelligence and surveillance support received from the United States.

The clarification was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, during a televised programme monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), following widespread reports suggesting that American troops joined Nigerian forces in the ground offensive against the senior ISIS operative.

According to Onoja, the operation was conducted entirely by Nigerian troops, while the United States only provided intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force-enabling assistance.

“There were no foreign boots on the ground during this operation. What we received were intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force enablers,” Onoja stated.

The military described the mission as a highly coordinated precision strike targeting one of the most wanted terrorist figures linked to the Islamic State network operating across West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin.

Onoja commended the professionalism, tactical discipline and combat readiness of the troops involved in the operation, revealing that no Nigerian soldier lost his life during the mission.

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

According to the DHQ, the operation was executed after months of intelligence gathering, surveillance tracking and operational coordination that eventually led security operatives to the terrorist commander’s exact location.

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The military also clarified earlier confusion surrounding reports that Al-Minuki had been killed in 2024.

Onoja explained that terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) often use multiple aliases and false identities, making identification difficult.

He disclosed that the terrorist neutralised during the latest operation was confirmed to be the original Abu Bilal Al-Minuki through credible intelligence and technical verification.

“This individual has been on international watchlists for a very long time,” Onoja said.

According to him, Al-Minuki was listed by several international security organisations and monitoring agencies, including the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Nigerian authorities.

Security sources described Al-Minuki as a major ISIS-linked operative believed to have coordinated terrorist activities, propaganda operations, weapons logistics and insurgent financing networks within the region.

The operation reportedly took place around Metele in Borno State, one of the areas heavily affected by insurgency and terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region.

The latest development has been described by security analysts as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

The DHQ noted that the operation formed part of ongoing offensives under Operation HADIN KAI, as Nigerian troops continue aggressive military campaigns against terrorists, bandits and criminal networks across the country.

Onoja further revealed that other wanted terrorist and bandit leaders remain under active surveillance by security agencies.

He specifically mentioned notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, declaring that security forces were closing in on him.

“He cannot hide forever. It is only a matter of time,” Onoja said.

The military authority also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of assisting ongoing operations.

The DHQ warned citizens against paying ransom to kidnappers and terrorists, stressing that such payments often strengthen criminal organisations and prolong insecurity in affected communities.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and sustaining military offensives against insurgents and terrorist groups threatening national security.

DHQ Denies Foreign Troops Participated In Operation That Killed Al-Minuki