The Defence Headquarters has announced that ongoing joint counterterrorism operations carried out by Nigerian troops in collaboration with the United States Africa Command have resulted in the killing of 175 ISIS fighters, including a high-ranking global operative, during coordinated strikes in North-East Nigeria.
Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, disclosed this in an operational update issued on Monday, May 19, 2026. He said the combined air and ground offensives began several days ago as part of intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the region.
According to the military, the operations targeted terrorist hideouts, checkpoints, weapons stockpiles, logistics bases, and financial networks believed to be supporting insurgent activities in parts of the North-East.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed 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 prominent ISIS operatives globally.
The military said Al-Minuki was heavily involved in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning linked to ISIS operations in Nigeria and beyond.
Other senior figures reportedly killed during the operations include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP commander responsible for 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.
According to the military high command, the deaths of the commanders have dealt a major blow to ISIS operational coordination and external attack networks.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria stated that, in partnership with international allies, it would continue sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist cells and restoring stability across the region.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to tracking down and neutralising all individuals and groups posing threats to national and regional security.
