The National Coalition for Peace and Democracy has described the recent neutralisation of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, a senior commander linked to the global Islamic State network, as evidence that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is producing measurable results.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the coalition’s president, Dr Moses Okella, said the operation reflected growing operational sophistication, intelligence coordination, and battlefield effectiveness within the Nigerian Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede.

Okella criticised attempts by some international media outlets to minimise Nigeria’s role in the operation, insisting that local intelligence systems, operational planning, and frontline troops played central roles in the mission.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

According to the coalition, the operation highlighted improvements in collaboration among Nigerian security agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering, surveillance, logistics, and rapid-response coordination across conflict zones.

Okella noted that one of the longstanding weaknesses in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency had been fragmentation among security institutions, but argued that recent operations suggest a more integrated security architecture is emerging.

“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 group also commended the country’s service chiefs, intelligence agencies, and the Ministry of Defence for strengthening institutional cooperation in counter-terrorism operations.

It further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining political backing for security operations while maintaining international security partnerships.

“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,” Okella added.

The coalition described Al-Minuki as one of the most senior extremist operatives connected to the Islamic State network within Africa, with activities reportedly spanning the Lake Chad Basin and parts of the Sahel region.

According to the group, his elimination carries both symbolic and strategic significance by weakening terrorist leadership structures, disrupting recruitment channels, and undermining operational planning within extremist networks.

“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,” Okella said.

The coalition urged Nigerians to support security agencies through credible intelligence sharing and responsible public engagement, warning against narratives capable of demoralising security personnel.

“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,” he said.

The group, however, stressed that the fight against terrorism remains ongoing and called for sustained investment in military modernisation, intelligence technology, troop welfare, and regional cooperation across the Lake Chad and Sahel regions.

It also argued that long-term security would depend not only on military operations but also on stronger investments in education, economic opportunities, and post-conflict stabilisation programmes aimed at reducing extremist recruitment.