42 Pupils Feared Abducted in Borno as Military Kills Top ISIS Commander in Joint US Operation

Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Borno State after terrorists reportedly abducted 42 children from schools and nearby homes, while Nigerian and American forces confirmed the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a major military operation around the Lake Chad Basin.

The attack reportedly happened at Primary and Junior Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira-Uba Local Government Area during lessons on Friday morning.

According to Ali Ndume, no fewer than 42 children were taken away by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

Ndume said the abducted victims included four students from the secondary school, 28 pupils from the primary school section and 10 other children kidnapped from residential homes in the community.

The senator described the incident as “barbaric, traumatic and heartbreaking” and appealed to Operation Hadin Kai and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

The latest abduction has revived memories of previous mass kidnappings in the North-East, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in 2014.

While residents were still reacting to the attack, the Nigerian military announced the successful elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a coordinated joint operation with the United States military.

Military officials said the operation targeted insurgent hideouts around Metele in the Lake Chad region after months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The operation reportedly involved coordinated air and ground assaults supported by Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM.

Military sources described al-Minuki as one of the most influential ISIS commanders operating within the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.

The US government had designated him a global terrorist in 2023 under Executive Order 13224.

Donald Trump praised the operation and hinted at more military actions against ISIS-linked groups in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also hailed the operation, saying it demonstrated stronger international cooperation against terrorism.

However, Femi Falana criticised claims surrounding the operation, insisting that the presidency should verify such developments through the Defence Headquarters.

Security analysts warned that insurgent groups may retaliate following the killing of the ISIS commander.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concern over the state of insecurity in the country, warning that Nigerians were gradually becoming accustomed to violence.

“People are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened,” Jonathan said.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria later announced a nationwide fasting and prayer exercise over growing insecurity, economic hardship and persistent violence across the country.

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