Former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has declared that the weekend’s joint military operation between the United States and Nigeria has proven that Nigeria is now a key force for stability in Africa.
Murray-Bruce made the declaration on Saturday on his Facebook account where he wrote:
“The reported joint operation between American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria highlights the growing strength of strategic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for sustaining international security partnerships that reinforce Nigeria’s role as a key force for stability in Africa. A safer Africa and a safer world can only come through collaboration, intelligence sharing, and decisive leadership.”
His statement followed the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the global second-in-command of the Islamic State, in a precision joint operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The operation, which took place at Metele in Borno State between 0001 hours and 0400 hours, involved troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI working in close coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
According to military sources, multiple air platforms were deployed in a synchronised air-land configuration, leaving the terrorists with no avenue of escape.
Special Forces secured the perimeter, denied escape routes, and stood ready to extract any teams or air platforms in distress.
Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, had been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Department of State on June 8, 2023.
Intelligence sources traced his origin to Mainok in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. From his concealed enclave at Metele, he channelled international funding and operational guidance to terror cells across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region.
He was responsible for planning attacks on military formations in the North East and provided strategic direction on media operations, economic warfare, and the development of weapons, explosives, and drones.
The operation was executed with zero casualties and no loss of assets, according to the military.
Announcing the operation on Truth Social, United States President Donald Trump said, “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the armed forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.”
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump added. “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.”
Trump thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership and praised the cooperation that made the mission possible.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the operation in a statement from Aso Villa, describing it as “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
“Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State,” Tinubu said. “Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.”
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the United States for its support, specifically thanking President Trump for his leadership and cooperation.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” Tinubu said.
He also commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage, adding that he looks forward to more decisive strikes against terrorist enclaves across the nation.
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