Military partnership neutralises 175 ISIS terrorists in Northeast offensive

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that 175 ISIS terrorists were killed in renewed joint counterterrorism operations carried out by Nigerian troops in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) across parts of Northeast Nigeria.

The military said the coordinated ground and air offensives, which began a few days ago, had dealt a major blow to ISIS and ISWAP networks operating in the region, with several top commanders reportedly eliminated.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, DHQ said assessments as of May 19, 2026, confirmed the neutralisation of 175 militants during sustained strikes targeting insurgent strongholds.

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According to the military, the operations also destroyed terrorist checkpoints, logistics bases, weapons stockpiles, military hardware and financial infrastructure used to sustain insurgent activities.

Among those reportedly killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the military as one of the most prominent 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 said.

“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 DHQ said al-Minuki was a key figure in ISIS external operations, overseeing terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting civilians in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

The military noted that his death would significantly weaken ISIS command structures and operational coordination.
Other insurgent leaders reportedly killed during the operations include Abd-al Wahhab, said to be an ISWAP commander involved in coordinating attacks and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, identified as a senior ISWAP operative; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, described as a senior media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.

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The latest announcement comes barely a day after Nigerian troops and AFRICOM confirmed the killing of 20 ISIS fighters during coordinated operations around the Marte axis of Borno State.

The DHQ said the ongoing offensive underscored the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and its international partners to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and deny them safe havens in the North-East and beyond.

“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” the statement added.