DHQ explains similarities in names of neutralised terror leaders

The Defence Headquarters has moved to clear up uncertainty surrounding the identity of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the terrorist commander recently killed during a joint military operation carried out with the United States Africa Command.

In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the clarification followed reports linking the latest operation to a similar mission conducted in 2024 involving another insurgent commander with the same name.

Uba explained that members of ISWAP and Boko Haram frequently adopt identical aliases and battle names, making it difficult to distinguish between fighters.

According to him, intelligence gathered from human sources and technical surveillance confirmed the identity of the Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki killed on May 16, 2026.

He said the slain figure was a high-ranking operative within the Islamic State structure and maintained connections to international terrorist activities, including coordination, financing and operations across the Sahel region.

“There is no ambiguity regarding the identity of the individual neutralised in the recent operation,” he stated.

The defence spokesman described the mission as a major achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign being conducted alongside foreign partners.

He also appealed to journalists and members of the public to depend on verified official information in order to prevent misinformation caused by similarities in names.

Uba reiterated the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to continue targeting terrorist cells and intensifying operations against insurgent groups operating within the region.