The Defence Headquarters has clarified that no foreign soldier participated in the ground operation that eliminated terrorist commander Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.
Speaking on a monitored television programme, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the mission was carried out entirely by Nigerian troops. According to Onoja, the United States provided only intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, not personnel on the ground.
“There were no foreign boots on the ground during this operation. What we received were intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force enablers,” Onoja stated.
The DHQ described the strike as a “carefully executed precision strike against a high-value terrorist target”. Onoja credited the success to months of intelligence gathering and close operational coordination, noting that the operation was launched only after credible information confirmed the target’s exact location.
He also clarified that earlier reports of Al-Minuki’s death in 2024 were based on mistaken identity. The man neutralised in the latest operation was the original Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, who had used multiple aliases to evade capture for years. Security records linked him to watchlists maintained by the United Nations, United States, European Union and Nigeria.
Onoja emphasized that the operation was conducted without any casualties on the side of the military. “We are happy to state that due to our troops’ professionalism, there was no loss of life on our side,” he said.
The DHQ reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic security partnerships in the fight against terrorism while maintaining that the ground component of the mission remained a Nigerian-led effort. Onoja added that other high-profile criminals remain under active surveillance, mentioning bandit leader Bello Turji specifically.
He urged citizens to support military operations with timely information and warned against ransom payments, saying they often strengthen criminal networks and prolong insecurity.
The clarification comes amid public speculation about foreign involvement in recent counter-terrorism operations. The Defence Headquarters said the operation reflected the professionalism, discipline and tactical readiness of Nigerian troops, and vowed to continue targeted strikes against terrorist leaders across the country….See More
