Odita Sunday 
HURIWA Hails Killing Of ISIS Global Deputy, Demands Total Overhaul Of Nigeria’s Counter-Terror Strategy
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has commended the joint operation carried out by Nigerian troops and the United States military which reportedly led to the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the global second-in-command of the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), but warned against what it called “premature celebration” amid worsening insecurity across parts of the country.
In a statement signed on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group praised the collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United States Africa Command, describing the operation as a major counter-terrorism breakthrough within the Lake Chad Basin.
HURIWA also commended the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for strengthening international counter-terrorism cooperation and acknowledged the sacrifices and professionalism of Nigerian military personnel involved in the operation.
According to the rights group, the successful strike demonstrated that terrorism could be effectively degraded through intelligence-driven coordination, strategic planning, technological support and strong operational synergy among security agencies and international allies.
However, the association stressed that isolated tactical victories could not replace a comprehensive and sustained national counter-terrorism framework, especially as terrorist attacks, kidnappings and mass abductions continue to spread across several parts of Nigeria.
HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as the continued attacks on schools and vulnerable communities by terrorists and armed groups, citing recent abductions in Yobe and Oyo states.
“The frightening reality is that terrorists and armed non-state actors are still attacking schools, overrunning vulnerable communities, abducting children, killing civilians, and destabilising rural economies almost at will,” the statement noted.
The group warned that Nigeria must avoid “the dangerous temptation of premature celebration while citizens remain under constant siege.”
HURIWA argued that the elimination of the high-profile ISIS commander should serve as a turning point for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism architecture.
“The Nigerian military must urgently up its game,” the group stated.
It urged the Armed Forces to fully embrace modern global best practices in asymmetric warfare, intelligence-led counter-insurgency operations, rapid-response deployment, aerial surveillance systems, technological warfare and community-based intelligence gathering.
The association also called for improved coordination among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and local security formations.
According to HURIWA, fragmented coordination, delayed intelligence sharing and duplication of operational responsibilities have continued to undermine the country’s anti-terror efforts.
“The terrorists confronting Nigeria are adaptive, mobile, technologically aware, and increasingly decentralised. The response of the Nigerian State must therefore become faster, smarter, intelligence-driven, and technologically superior,” the statement added.
The group further challenged the newly appointed Homeland Security Chief to immediately unveil a measurable and time-bound national homeland security strategy capable of protecting schools, highways, worship centres and farming communities.
HURIWA said Nigerians were no longer interested in “routine assurances and ceremonial briefings” while terrorists continued to expand their activities across the country.
It also urged the Federal Government to deepen collaboration with international partners in intelligence gathering, cyber surveillance, drone warfare, counter-terror financing and border security management.
“The recent operation proves that when intelligence cooperation works effectively, even globally wanted terrorists can no longer hide,” the group stated.
HURIWA additionally called for improved welfare packages, modern equipment, advanced training and psychological support for Nigerian military personnel engaged in counter-terror operations nationwide.
The association maintained that despite the latest operational success, Nigerians still expected more decisive actions capable of permanently dismantling terrorist enclaves across Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and other troubled states.
“Nigeria must reclaim every inch of its territory from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists,” the statement concluded.
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