Barely a day after President Donald Trump of the United States of America, the USA announced the killing of Abu Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, ISIS in a joint operation with Nigeria soldiers in Borno State, a new video of the abducted 416 women and children in Boko Haram captivity has been released in addition to a gory video earlier released by the terrorists wherein they beheaded almost six men who the insurgents said tried to escape among the kidnapped victims, this had led to public outcry and demonstrations, but according to Punch Newspaper, protesters are reportedly denied the rights to protest in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, saying, the Army reportedly deployed tanks and heavily armed personnel to Filling Polo, the venue of the recent planned protest, forcing the demonstrators to withdraw, quoting Samaila Kaigama, leader of the protesters, as saying; the atmosphere created by the military deployment made it impossible for citizens to continue with the demonstration, that the development is deeply disturbing in a constitutional democracy, it maybe recalled that we had reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria may have kept mute since more than 48 hours a faction of the Boko Haram terrorists showed off 416 people mostly women and children kidnapped and held hostage when the members of the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, JAS, launched a large scale combat actions between 4th to 6th March 2026 against the men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, overran the Africa country military base at Ngoshe, killing several soldiers, a figure the Nigeria authority disputed to be 14 after several reports indicated that more than 40 soldiers were killed during the attack, in addition to more than 100 civilians including Chief Iman of Ngoshe alongside the community elders killed during the coordinated attacks that lasted days at Ngoshe community in Gwoza local government area of Borno state, this, during the attacks, numbers of people were also taken hostage by the insurgents, with speculations indicating that the hostages are apparently being held at the rugged terrain of the Mandara Mountains, which sit wide across the Nigeria border with Cameroon, in the released video, one of the spokespersons of the Boko Haram group said they decided to release a proof of life video of the 416 women and children in their captivity, following the demands made across to them by the Borno South Youths Alliance, BOSYA, and according to the statement issued by the BOSYA when they made the video public on Friday April 10, 2026, the Youths group called on Federal Government and governments at all level to ensure the hostages are released, saying specifically that; “we have witnessed cases in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi where abducted victims regained freedom following interventions by individuals such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, we therefore expect equal urgency and commitment in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims, no region or group of citizens should be treated with less priority”.

In one of the recent videos sent by the Boko Haram terrorists to the Borno Youths group, the group said; “Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) yesterday (now some days ago), at about 5:18pm, received a disturbing video showing the execution of about 4 to 5 men, both old and young, who reportedly attempted to escape from JAS/Boko Haram captivity.

We at Borno South Youth Alliance, (BOSYA) have tried every possible intervention and humanitarian process available, yet the 416 women, children, and a few men in captivity have largely been abandoned to their fate.

This video is not intended to promote terrorism or any act related to it, but rather to expose the painful reality on the ground, a reality we have spent over two months trying to prevent through continuous mediation and humanitarian pleas.

Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) is calling on well-meaning Southern Borno indigenes, political office holders, political aspirants, every patriotic Nigerian from the North, South, East, and West, as well as international organizations, to urgently come to the rescue of these 416 women and children by supporting efforts toward the release of the first 50 women and children as earlier announced.

Four to five people are already dead. More victims are sick, and some men who attempted to escape have now been killed. Lives are involved, and unimaginable suffering is taking place in captivity among these helpless people who feel abandoned and forgotten.

Boko haram release new video of 416 Ngoshe abducted women and children crying for help after being abandoned by State and Federal government including Borno South Senator

Let the world see and remember that the Nigerian Government, Borno State Government, the Senator representing Southern Borno, the House of Representatives member, House of Assembly members, and chairmen representing Gwoza Local Government have abandoned these helpless women and children to their fate and have refused to secure their freedom by all possible means.

Let the world, human rights organizations, and international bodies such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, and others see and remember how the lives of 416 women and children are being disregarded and devalued. Let the world know that under this government, 416 women and children were kidnapped, and under both the federal and state governments, no meaningful action has been taken.

Let the world hear directly from the mouths of these captives that their federal government has failed them, their state government has abandoned them, and their Senator representing Southern Borno has ignored and even complicated the process of their release.

Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) organized a peaceful protest in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, but the government responded by deploying heavy military presence and formations as though we were terrorists, while the real terrorists move freely, kidnapping and killing our people daily with little or no resistance.

If the world is truly watching, then let them know that we are facing oppression from both sides. Political slavery has silenced us for too long, but we will remain silent no more because they have shown us that we are only useful to them every four years during elections.

Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) remains committed to humanitarian mediation and discussions toward the release of our Ngoshe 416 women and children. Though we are exhausted and deeply disappointed by the lack of concern shown toward our people and our peaceful existence, we still call upon the government, every well-meaning Nigerian, international organizations, and even individuals willing to help secure the release of these helpless women and children. Already, some newborn babies and children have reportedly died from sickness and infections in captivity. More innocent lives may be lost if urgent action is not taken.

Fifty women and children can be released today if 50 million Naira is raised and offered to their captors. Nigerians, international organizations, and compassionate individuals around the world are urged to help save these innocent lives since the government has shown its true attitude toward these suffering people.

Regardless of religion let us consider humanity first, some save they are Muslims so Muslims alone should help them out, both Muslims and Christians are at the receiving end of this menace let’s be humans before anything

With due respect to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the world saw, and Nigerians witnessed, the kidnapping of 416 women and children in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Yet, the Presidency neither issued an official statement nor publicly addressed the situation. This has left many people in Southern Borno asking painful questions: Are we not Nigerians? Is the President only for a specific part of Nigeria?

We ask these questions because we observed that the Presidency released a statement concerning the kidnapped teachers in Oyo State and assured the public that efforts were being made toward their rescue. That action demonstrated concern, empathy, and leadership toward the people affected in Oyo State.

On the other hand, the people of Borno State — particularly Southern Borno — have felt abandoned and ignored in the face of one of the most painful tragedies affecting our communities. Up until this moment, there has been little or no direct public reassurance from the Presidency regarding the safety and plight of the victims, despite security and protection of citizens being among the highest responsibilities of government.

Borno South Youth Alliance, (BOSYA) therefore wishes to express its deep dissatisfaction and disappointment regarding what many people perceive as unequal concern toward the suffering of Southern Borno communities.

On behalf of many concerned youths and indigenes of Southern Borno, we respectfully urge the Presidency to show that every Nigerian life matters equally, regardless of region, ethnicity, or religion. We believe that the people of Southern Borno deserve the same level of empathy, urgency, and public concern shown to citizens in other parts of the country. At this critical time, our people need reassurance, protection, and visible action from the highest office in the land”, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, President, Borno South Youth Alliance, (BOSYA) stated in numbers of press statements issued in recent days.

Before the release of the new video of the abducted victims, the United States President Donald Trump had on Friday May 15, 2026 based on America time announced that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, was  killed during a joint military operation carried out by American and Nigerian forces in Borno state.

Trump said the operation was conducted under his direct order and involved what he described as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” executed by both the United States military and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to Trump, the targeted operation successfully eliminated al-Minuki, whom he called “the most active  terrorist in the world.” He revealed that the ISIS commander had been hiding in Africa while allegedly coordinating activities linked to global terror operations.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump stated.

The American president further claimed that intelligence sources closely monitored the ISIS leader’s movements before the operation was launched.

“He thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump added.

Trump also praised the Nigerian government for cooperating with the United States during the mission, saying the partnership played a major role in weakening ISIS operations globally.

“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he wrote.

Nigeria Defence Headquarters in a press statement, said “the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces has successfully conducted a meticulously planned and highly coordinated counterterrorism operation resulting in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS leader and one of the world’s most active terrorists.

The precision operation was the result of our recently formed US – Nigeria partnership and intelligence sharing efforts. Together, we have disrupted a violent terrorist network that endangered Nigeria and the broader West African region. Our efforts represent a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and globally.

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a key ISIS operational and strategic figure who provided guidance to ISIS entities outside Nigeria on matters relating to media operations, economic warfare and the development and manufacturing of weapons, explosives and drones. His death removes a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world.

Intelligence further indicates that, as recently as February 2026, Minuki may have been elevated to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, placing him the second most senior leader within the ISIS global hierarchy.

Prior to this, Minuki served in 2023 as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir, overseeing ISIS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa, including attacks against civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minority communities.

The terrorist leader also maintained longstanding operational ties with ISIS-West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls. Intelligence records further show that between March 2015 and early 2016, he facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya in support of ISIS operations in North Africa. Before pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2015, Minuki was also recognized as a prominent leader within Boko Haram.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterate that this successful operation demonstrates Nigeria’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism and deny extremist groups the ability to threaten national, regional and international security.

The operation equally underscores the importance of our Nigeria-United States collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated military action in defeating transnational terrorist networks.

The Defence Headquarters commends the gallantry, professionalism and dedication of all personnel involved in the operation and appreciates the continued partnership and support of United States forces in the collective fight against terrorism.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain steadfast in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, protecting civilians and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the nation and the wider region”, Major General Samaila Uba, the Director, Defence Information stated this on May 16, 2026.

In a follow up updates; the Defence Headquarters also stated that; “the Defence Headquarters wishes to provide clarification following emerging public discourse regarding the recent neutralisation of a high-profile terrorist commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, during a joint operation with the United States Africa Command on 16 May, 2026.

Certain media reports referencing a similar operation in 2024 have mentioned the elimination of a terrorist commander bearing the same name. This has understandably generated questions about the identity of the individual recently neutralised.

It is important to state that within the North East region and across the Lake Chad Basin, the use of similar or identical names, aliases and nom de guerres is common among ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists.

This is essentially part of their indoctrination program which is aimed at deliberately obscuring identities. This fact has been established over the years in the course of counter terrorism operations in the Northeast of Nigeria.

The Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki eliminated on 16 May, 2026 has been positively identified through human intelligence and technical surveillance as a senior global operative within the Islamic State network, with direct links to international terrorist coordination, funding and operations across the Sahel. There is therefore no ambiguity in his identity. The strike is a significant milestone in our counter-terrorism efforts.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in partnership with the United States, remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks and will continue to provide verified information through official channels. The general public and the media are please urged to rely only on these sources to avoid confusion from coincidental name similarities”.

On May 19, 2026, the Nigeria military said; “The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North East Nigeria.

It will be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield.

The joint strikes have resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations.

The operations have also resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world.

Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians around the world. His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks.

Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, ISWAP senior member and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki.

The joint strikes have further reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN have consistently done over the years – hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria.

The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability”.