US, Nigeria kill 175 ISIS terrorists in joint airstrikes – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that no fewer than 175 ISIS terrorists were killed on Tuesday in ongoing joint counterterrorism operations carried out by Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Northeast Nigeria.

This information was issued in a statement by Samaila Uba, a Major General and Director of Defence Information.

According to the DHQ, the latest assessment as of 19 May 2026 indicates that 175 ISIS militants have been eliminated from the battlefield through continuous ground and air assaults.

The military high command stated that the coordinated operations, which began a few days ago, continue to record significant successes against ISIS and ISWAP elements operating in the region.

The statement noted that the operations have also resulted in the destruction of terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment, and financial networks that support insurgent activities.

It further disclosed that several high-profile terrorist commanders were among those neutralised, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most prominent ISIS operatives worldwide.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in close coordination with the United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North-East Nigeria,” the statement said.

“It will be recalled that the joint strikes began a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments show that 175 ISIS militants have been eliminated from the battlefield.

“The joint strikes have led to 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 strategic role in ISIS external operations, overseeing terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and other civilians worldwide.

“His death significantly disrupts ISIS command structure, operational coordination, and external attack networks,” the military stated.

Other terrorist leaders reportedly killed during the operations include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.

It is also recalled that on Monday, both the Nigerian military and AFRICOM confirmed the killing of 20 ISIS fighters in the Marte axis of the North-East during coordinated ground-air operations.

The military stated that the renewed offensive further demonstrates the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain pressure on terrorists and deny 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 added.