The Defence Headquarters has announced major gains in ongoing counterterrorism operations carried out jointly by the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in the North-East.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the coordinated strikes have so far eliminated 175 ISIS terrorists as of May 19, 2026.
The military said the operations, which began a few days ago, targeted terrorist checkpoints, weapons storage facilities, logistical hubs, military equipment, and financial networks used to sustain insurgent activities.
Among those reportedly killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the Defence Headquarters as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.
The statement noted that al-Minuki played a key role in ISIS external operations, including terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics coordination, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians across different parts of the world.
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According to the DHQ, his death is expected to significantly weaken ISIS command structures, operational coordination, and external attack networks.
Other senior terrorist figures reportedly eliminated during the strikes include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda distribution; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, described as a senior media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the latest offensive further demonstrates the Nigerian military’s commitment to tracking and neutralising terrorists wherever they operate within the country.
It added that the joint operations would continue until all threats to Nigeria’s security and regional stability are eliminated.
