The United States has released video footage of a joint military operation with Nigerian forces near the Lake Chad basin that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a terrorist leader identified as the second global leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Announcement and Confirmation
US President Donald Trump first announced the development via a social media post. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu later confirmed the operation, and the Defence Headquarters in Nigeria issued a confirmation on the same day.
AFRICOM Releases Footage
A clip of the operation was shared by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Saturday, May 16, stating that the operation occurred on Friday, May 15. AFRICOM noted that several terrorist commanders, including Al-Minuki, were eliminated during the mission.
Public Reactions
The footage has generated diverse reactions from Nigerians. Below are some comments:
- Lawry advised critics to verify the Nigerian Air Force's page for similar videos: 'Before you come here and say rubbish about the Nigerian Military, go to the Nigerian Air Force handle, and you will see so many videos like this. Don't embarrass yourself.'
- Edidem expressed concern about the community's future: 'Eliminating high-value ISIS targets in Nigeria is a tactical win. But 'make it rain'? This isn't a video game. The real victory isn't drones and body counts, it's what happens the next morning. Does that village get a school instead of a recruiting centre? Does a farmer go home instead of joining the next cell? Kill the commander, sure. But if you don't kill the grievance that grew him, someone else just changes their name and picks up where he left off. So yes, good op. Now show us the long game.'
- Gideon questioned earlier reports claiming al-Minuki was killed in 2024: 'Abu-Bilal was said to have been targeted and killed in 2024. Is this his reincarnation from death or to death, and was he really targeted this time and eliminated, if yes? Provide evidence by sharing the images to support your claim.'
- Abiodun commended the US: 'Thanks for raining bombs on the evil terrorist US Government. We are grateful to the American Government for this bombardment of the terrorist enclave in Nigeria. We need more of it. Well done.'
The released footage is available on X (formerly Twitter).
