ISIS Second-in-Command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki Killed in Nigeria

Donald Trump announced on 15 May 2026 that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, was eliminated in Nigeria. The operation involved American and Nigerian forces, and al-Minuki was also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki.

ISIS and its Global Structure

Islamic State, also called ISIS or ISIL, is a transnational jihadist organisation that emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq. The group has used a decentralised structure with regional branches in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Islamic State West Africa Province

Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, is one of the most active ISIS affiliates in Africa. It operates mainly in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region, which includes parts of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Nigeria.

Sanctions and Counter-Terrorism Measures

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was sanctioned by the United States Department of State in 2023 under Executive Order 13224. Executive Order 13224 is a United States counter-terrorism order used to block property and prohibit transactions with persons linked to terrorism financing and support.

Important Facts for Exams

• Executive Order 13224 was issued in the United States in 2001 for counter-terrorism sanctions.
• ISWAP is a splinter faction linked to the Islamic State network in West Africa.
• The Sahel is a semi-arid belt south of the Sahara Desert.
• Nigeria is a major theatre of operations for several armed groups in the Lake Chad Basin.

The United States Department of State maintains a sanctions framework for designated terrorists and terrorist financiers. Nigeria has cooperated with several international counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel and Lake Chad region.