The National Coalition for Peace and Democracy has described the recent killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a senior commander linked to the Islamic State network, as evidence that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is producing results.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the President of the coalition, Dr Moses Okella, said the operation reflected the growing operational capacity and coordination of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede.
Okella said reports attempting to minimise Nigeria’s role in the operation failed to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of Nigerian troops.
“This operation represents far more than the elimination of a terrorist figure. It is a powerful demonstration of the growing capacity, professionalism, intelligence depth and operational coordination of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.
“While international cooperation remains important and appreciated, the truth must be stated clearly that Nigerian soldiers, Nigerian intelligence assets, Nigerian air and ground forces, and Nigerian operational leadership were central to this mission,” he added.
According to him, the successful operation showed that Nigeria’s security institutions were becoming more integrated and strategic in tackling terrorism and transnational crimes.
“For years, one of the major challenges confronting counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria was fragmentation and weak coordination among security institutions,” Okella said.
“What we are witnessing today is the emergence of a more coherent security architecture where intelligence gathering, logistics, surveillance and operational response are becoming increasingly aligned. The operation against Al-Minuki is evidence of this evolution,” he added.
The coalition commended the service chiefs, intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Defence for improving institutional collaboration and operational efficiency.
Okella also praised President Bola Tinubu for sustaining support for security operations and strengthening international partnerships.
“The President has consistently maintained that modern security challenges require cooperation among nations. The recent operation validates that position. However, cooperation must never erase ownership. Nigeria was not a passive observer in this mission. Nigeria was the principal actor,” he stated.
The coalition described Al-Minuki as one of the most dangerous extremist figures operating within the African branch of the Islamic State network, noting that his activities spread across the Lake Chad region and parts of the Sahel.
“Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki was not an ordinary insurgent commander. He was identified internationally as one of the most senior Islamic State operatives in Africa,” Okella said.
“His elimination sends a clear message that terrorist leaders are no longer beyond reach. Symbolically, it restores confidence. Strategically, it disrupts command structures, financing channels and operational planning within extremist circles,” he added.
The coalition further urged Nigerians to support security agencies through intelligence sharing and responsible public engagement.
“Terrorism thrives where distrust, misinformation and division weaken national unity,” Okella stated.
“Too often, public discourse focuses only on setbacks while ignoring operational gains and battlefield successes. Yet behind every successful operation are soldiers risking their lives in difficult terrains while confronting heavily armed criminal groups. Their courage deserves national appreciation,” he said.
While describing the operation as a significant achievement, the coalition stressed that the fight against terrorism was still ongoing and called for sustained investment in military equipment, troop welfare, intelligence technology and regional cooperation.
“The successful neutralisation of Al-Minuki sends a clear message to terrorist networks operating within and beyond our borders that Nigeria’s security institutions are becoming increasingly capable, coordinated and determined. Nigeria has demonstrated that she is not helpless,” Okella said.
PUNCH Online had reported that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have announced the successful neutralisation of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander, in a coordinated counterterrorism operation with United States forces.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters on Saturday, the precision operation was the result of enhanced intelligence sharing and cooperation between Nigeria and the United States under a newly strengthened security partnership.
The military said the operation represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
