Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has reacted to the reported killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the alleged second-in-command of ISIS, describing the fight against terrorism as a “religious obligation,” while also raising concerns over the killing of innocent civilians during military operations.
Gumi made the remarks on May 16, 2026, following reports that Al-Minuki was eliminated during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian forces and the United States military.
Key Highlights:
- Ahmad Gumi described the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki as part of a “religious obligation” to fight terrorism.
- The ISIS leader was reportedly killed in a joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian forces and United States Africa Command.
- The operation was praised by security officials and political leaders, including references to support from U.S. and Nigerian authorities.
- Gumi welcomed action against terrorists but warned about civilian casualties during military operations.
- The strike is seen as part of broader Nigeria–international efforts to dismantle extremist networks in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region.
The operation, which was reportedly coordinated by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) alongside the Nigerian military, was widely celebrated by security officials and political leaders as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in West Africa.
US President Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu both acknowledged the strike, describing it as a significant success against extremist networks operating within the region.
In his reaction shared on social media, Sheikh Gumi said combating terrorism remains necessary and justified, but warned against actions that could lead to the deaths of innocent civilians during military operations.
He accused some security operatives participating in counterterrorism campaigns of being responsible for civilian casualties, stressing that such incidents could further deepen tensions in affected communities.
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According to security reports, Al-Minuki was regarded as one of ISIS’s most senior commanders operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region, where extremist groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and cross-border insurgent activities.
Authorities also disclosed that several other suspected extremist fighters linked to terrorist operations across West Africa were eliminated during the coordinated strike.
Security analysts say the development highlights growing military cooperation between Nigeria and international allies as regional and global powers intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks threatening stability across the Sahel and West Africa.
