The United States Africa Command released video footage Saturday showing a joint counterterrorism strike in northeastern Nigeria. The operation killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as a top ISIS commander.
AFRICOM said the strike was coordinated with Nigeria's government. It happened under orders from the U.S.
President and Secretary of Defense.
Al-Minuki held the title of Director of Global Operations for ISIS. Multiple other senior commanders died alongside him in the operation.
No American soldiers were hurt during the mission. The footage provided the clearest official look yet at how American and Nigerian forces coordinated the strike.
Intelligence sharing between the two nations spanned months. Planning for the operation took considerable time, officials confirmed.
Commander Dagvin Anderson of AFRICOM called it a major success. He praised both nations for their bravery and valor in executing the mission.
"AFRICOM, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, bravely and valiantly conducted a successful mission," Anderson told reporters. "It resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and multiple other ISIS leaders."
Anderson stressed the importance of U.S.-Nigeria military ties. He said the partnership made the operation possible in the first place.
"This operation underscores the exceptional value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership," he noted. "It was made possible through cooperation and coordination over recent months."
Both nations pledged to continue hunting extremist networks in the region. Anderson vowed they would "relentlessly pursue and neutralise terrorist threats."
According to AFRICOM, al-Minuki was crucial to ISIS's global command structure. He shaped the group's propaganda and media strategy significantly.
Financial coordination fell under his responsibility. He also oversaw weapons development and explosives production for the terror group.
Al-Minuki managed drone manufacturing capabilities as well. AFRICOM accused him of planning attacks and coordinating hostage-taking operations across multiple regions.
The exact strike location wasn't disclosed by U.S. officials. But analysts believe it occurred in Nigeria's troubled northeast around the Lake Chad Basin.
Nigerian troops have ramped up offensives against terrorist factions in that area. The region remains a stronghold for various insurgent groups.
This marks one of the most significant defeats for ISIS-linked networks in West Africa. Recent years have seen fewer operations of this scale reported in the region.
It highlights how military collaboration between Washington and Abuja has deepened. Both countries have committed substantial resources to counterterrorism efforts.
