A Nigerian civil society group, the National Coalition for Peace and Democracy, has stated that the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a senior commander within the Islamic State network, highlights the growing effectiveness of Nigeria's counter-terrorism operations.
The coalition made this assertion on Wednesday, May 20, during a press briefing in Abuja, where it assessed recent military operations in the country's northeast and the wider Lake Chad Basin.
Dr. Moses Okella, the coalition's president, said the development reflects improved coordination, intelligence capacity, and battlefield execution by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Coalition Praises Military Intelligence and Coordination
Okella noted that the operation demonstrates increasing operational sophistication under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, particularly in intelligence sharing, air-ground coordination, and rapid response capabilities.
He emphasized that Nigerian troops and intelligence assets played a central role in the mission, despite what he described as attempts in some international reports to downplay the country's contribution.
"This operation represents far more than the elimination of a terrorist figure," Okella said. "Nigerian soldiers, intelligence assets, air and ground forces were central to this mission."
Security Architecture Is Improving, Says Coalition
The coalition stated that the operation reflects progress in addressing long-standing coordination challenges among security agencies.
Okella said improved integration between intelligence gathering, logistics, and field operations has contributed to recent gains against extremist groups operating in remote areas.
He also commended the Ministry of Defence and security agencies for strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts across multiple theatres.
Coalition Hails President Tinubu
The group also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting his support for security operations and international partnerships.
According to the coalition, Tinubu has maintained that global cooperation remains important, though Nigeria must retain operational ownership of its security responses.
"The President has consistently maintained that modern security challenges require cooperation among nations," Okella said.
Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki: Target Identified as Senior Islamic State Figure
The coalition described Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki as one of the most senior operatives linked to the Islamic State's African network, active across the Lake Chad Basin and parts of the Sahel.
It said his removal could disrupt extremist command structures, recruitment networks, and financing channels across the region.
While welcoming the operation, the coalition warned that the fight against insurgency is not over and urged continued investment in military technology, troop welfare, and intelligence systems.
It also called for broader regional cooperation and long-term socio-economic interventions to address the conditions that fuel recruitment into extremist groups.
"Terrorism thrives where distrust, misinformation and division weaken national unity," Okella said, urging Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information.
