The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, described as a senior leader of the Islamic State, during a coordinated air-land operation in the Metele area of Borno State.
Sani Uba, the spokesperson for the task force, in a statement on Saturday, said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) following sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts.
Mr Uba, a lieutenant colonel, said the mission targeted a concealed and fortified terrorist enclave located in Metele within the Lake Chad Basin axis.
The operation led to the neutralisation of Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, alongside several of his lieutenants and other terrorist combatants.
The military said the deceased commander was a United States-designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), listed in June 2023 under Executive Order 13224 for his alleged role in coordinating funding and operational activities for extremist networks across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.
The statement said the operation commenced at about 12:01 a.m. and ended at about 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, involving precision air strikes supported by ground forces.
It further explained that special forces were deployed to block escape routes and support the air component during the operation.
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The statement added that the mission was executed without casualties or equipment loss on the part of friendly forces.
It noted that battle damage assessment is ongoing, while follow-up exploitation operations are being conducted to clear remaining terrorist elements in the area.
Operation Hadin Kai described the development as a breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North-East.
It noted that it would significantly degrade the operational capacity of Islamic State West Africa Province and affiliated networks in the region.
