The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that no no fewer than 175 ISIS terrorists have been killed in ongoing joint counterterrorism operations involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Nigeria’s North-East region.
The military high command said the coordinated ground and air offensives, which began a few days ago, have continued to record major successes against ISIS and ISWAP insurgents operating within the region.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba.
According to the DHQ, assessments conducted as of May 19, 2026, confirmed that 175 ISIS militants had been eliminated during sustained assaults carried out by Nigerian forces in collaboration with AFRICOM.
The military also revealed that the operations led to the destruction of several terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment, and financial networks used to support insurgent activities.
Among those reportedly killed were several top terrorist commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the military as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.
“The Defence 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 May 19, 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS militants have been eliminated from the battlefield.
“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 DHQ explained that al-Minuki played a critical strategic role in ISIS external operations, overseeing terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians in other parts of the world.
The military noted that his death represents a major setback for the terrorist group.
“His death severely disrupts ISIS command structure, operational coordination, and external attack networks,” the statement added.
Other terrorist leaders reportedly neutralised during the operation include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander linked to the coordination of attacks and propaganda operations; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior ISWAP figure; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.
The DHQ recalled that both the Nigerian military and AFRICOM had earlier confirmed the killing of 20 ISIS fighters in the Marte axis of the North-East during coordinated ground and air operations conducted on Monday.
According to the military, the renewed offensive demonstrates the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and denying them safe havens across the country.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” the statement stated.
