The United States and Nigerian governments have confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander described by officials as the terror group’s second-in-command globally, during a joint military operation in northeastern Nigeria.

According to reports, the operation was carried out by U.S. and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin, a region known for terrorist activities linked to ISIS and ISWAP. The strike reportedly killed al-Minuki alongside several of his close fighters and commanders.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the mission as “meticulously planned,” saying the operation dealt a major blow to ISIS operations in Africa and beyond. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the development, praising the cooperation between both countries in the fight against terrorism.

Security reports say al-Minuki played a major role in coordinating ISIS-linked operations across West Africa, including logistics, financing, media propaganda, and weapons production. He had been under U.S. sanctions since 2023 and was considered one of the most dangerous terrorist figures operating in the region.

Military analysts believe the operation could weaken ISIS activities in the Lake Chad region, although experts warn that extremist groups often reorganize quickly after losing top commanders.