Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - The Defence Headquarters said the ongoing joint counterterrorism operations conducted by Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command have k!lled 175 ISIS terrorists, including a top global operative, during coordinated strikes in North-East Nigeria.
Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, who disclosed
this in an operational update on Monday, May 19, 2026, said the coordinated air
and ground strikes commenced a few days ago as part of intensified efforts to
dismantle terrorist networks operating within the region.
According to the statement, the operations targeted
terrorist enclaves, checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and financial
structures sustaining insurgent activities across parts of the North-East.
The authorities said the operations also led to the
elimination of several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa
Province (ISWAP), including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most
significant ISIS operatives globally.
The military noted that Al-Minuki played a major role in
coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning
linked to ISIS operations targeting Nigeria and other regions.
Other terrorist leaders reportedly neutralised during the
operations included Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP commander involved in
coordinating attacks and propaganda activities, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another
senior ISWAP member, and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, said to be a senior media
production manager and close associate of Al-Minuki.
The military high command said the d3ath of the commanders
had significantly disrupted ISIS operational coordination and external attack
networks.
It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration
with international partners, would sustain ongoing operations aimed at
dismantling terrorist cells and restoring stability in the region.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing and
neutralising all individuals and groups threatening national and regional
security.
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