The National Coalition for Peace and Democracy has described the recent neutralisation of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a senior commander linked to the Islamic State global network, as strong evidence that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is yielding measurable results.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, President of the coalition, Dr Moses Okella, said the operation reflected the growing operational sophistication, intelligence coordination and combat effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
Addressing journalists, Okella emphasised that attempts in some international media reports to downplay Nigeria’s role in the operation were both misleading and unfair to the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops.
According to him, the operation was driven substantially by Nigerian intelligence systems, local operational planning and the courage of frontline troops operating in difficult terrains across the Lake Chad Basin.
“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. 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 said.
Okella stated that the successful operation showed that Nigeria’s security institutions were becoming more integrated and strategic in confronting terrorism and transnational criminal networks.
He noted that under General Olufemi Oluyede, security agencies had improved collaboration in intelligence gathering, troop deployment, aerial surveillance and rapid response operations, leading to greater effectiveness in various conflict theatres.
“For years, one of the major challenges confronting counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria was fragmentation and weak coordination among security institutions. 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 said.
The coalition also commended the service chiefs, intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Defence for strengthening institutional coordination and operational efficiency.
Okella specifically praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining political support for security operations while strengthening international partnerships without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“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 said.
The coalition described Al-Minuki as one of the most dangerous extremist figures operating within the African wing of the Islamic State network, noting that his activities extended across the Lake Chad region and parts of the Sahel.
Okella said the elimination of the commander carried strategic importance because it would weaken terrorist command structures, disrupt recruitment networks and undermine extremist operations across the region.
“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. 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 stated.
The coalition further urged Nigerians to support security agencies through credible intelligence sharing and responsible public engagement, warning against narratives capable of demoralising troops.
“Terrorism thrives where distrust, misinformation and division weaken national unity. 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,” Okella added.
While describing the operation as a major victory, the coalition stressed that the fight against terrorism was far from over and called for sustained investment in military modernisation, troop welfare, intelligence technology and regional cooperation across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.
He added that long-term peace would also require stronger investments in education, economic opportunities and post-conflict stabilisation programmes to prevent extremist recruitment.
“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,” the statement said.
