Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the Nigeria-born ISIS commander described by United States, President Donald Trump, as the “most active terrorist in the world,” has drawn global attention following reports of his killing in a joint counterterrorism operation by American and Nigerian forces.
Newsextra24 reports that Trump announced on Friday that al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated mission involving US forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Here are things to know about the terrorist
US sanctions records identified him as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with Abu Bilal al-Minuki listed among his aliases.
He was reportedly born in 1982 in Mainok, near Benisheikh in Borno State, an area long affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
The US State Department designated al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023.
The designation blocked assets linked to him under US jurisdiction and prohibited Americans from conducting transactions with him.
According to Daily Trust, security analysts believe al-Minuki gained prominence in ISWAP after the death of Mamman Nur in 2018.
He was reportedly involved in ISIS financial operations, recruitment and strategic planning across parts of West Africa.
Trump described al-Minuki as one of ISIS’s most dangerous leaders, saying his death would weaken the group’s international operations.
The US President said the militants would no longer “terrorise the people of Africa” or support plots against American interests.
There has been confusion over the spelling of his name.
While several reports identified him as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, US sanctions documents listed him as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with Abu Bilal al-Minuki as an alias.
Security experts say the killing could disrupt ISIS financing, recruitment and planning in West Africa.
However, they warned that extremist groups often replace commanders quickly, meaning the long-term impact would depend on sustained military and intelligence pressure.
