Nigeria’s military says at least 175 ISIS fighters have been killed in ongoing joint operations with the United States in the North-East.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Samaila Uba, director of defense information at the Defense Headquarters, said the strikes were carried out in coordination with the United States Africa Command.
According to him, the operations, which began a few days ago, have significantly degraded ISthe IS presence in the region.
“The Defense Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with the United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North East Nigeria,” the statement read.
“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 military said the offensive also led to the destruction of key infrastructure used by the group, including logistics bases and financial networks.
According to Uba, “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.”
The statement said al-Minuki played a key role in coordinating international terrorist activities.
“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,” Uba said.
Other figures reportedly killed include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP leader involved in coordinating attacks and propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, also described as a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, said to be a media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.
“The joint strikes have further reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently done over the years – hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The military said operations would continue until all threats to national security and regional stability are neutralized.
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