No Foreign Boots on Ground During Anti-Terror Operation Against Al-Minuki — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that no foreign soldier participated in the ground operation that led to the elimination of terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.

Maj. -Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a monitored television programme while providing updates on the mission.
According to him, the United States only supported the operation through intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and other force-enabling assistance.
“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.
He described the mission as a carefully coordinated precision strike targeted at a high-profile terrorist figure.
Onoja noted that the successful operation demonstrated the professionalism, discipline and tactical preparedness of the troops involved.
“We are happy to state that due to our troops’ professionalism, there was no loss of life on our side,” he added.
The Defence spokesman explained that the operation followed extensive intelligence gathering and close coordination among security operatives.
He also clarified that earlier reports in 2024 claiming Al-Minuki had been killed were based on mistaken identity.
According to him, the individual recently neutralised was the real Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, who had operated under several aliases to avoid detection for years.
“This individual has been on international watchlists for a very long time,” Onoja said.
He further disclosed that the terrorist commander was listed by several international monitoring bodies, including the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Nigeria.
Onoja stated that months of intelligence efforts eventually helped troops identify the terrorist’s exact location before the final strike was approved based on credible intelligence.
He assured that Nigeria would continue to strengthen strategic partnerships in the fight against terrorism.
The Defence official also revealed that other notorious terrorist leaders remained under active surveillance.
Speaking on wanted bandit leader Bello Turji, Onoja said: “He cannot hide forever. It is only a matter of time.”
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies with timely and credible information, warning that payment of ransom to criminals only strengthens their operations and prolongs insecurity.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security in communities affected by terrorism across the country.