The Defence Headquarters said the ongoing joint counterterrorism operations conducted by Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command have k!lled 175 ISIS terrorists, including a top global operative, during coordinated strikes in North-East Nigeria.
Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, who disclosed this in an operational update on Monday, May 19, 2026, said the coordinated air and ground strikes commenced a few days ago as part of intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the region.
According to the statement, the operations targeted terrorist enclaves, checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and financial structures sustaining insurgent activities across parts of the North-East.
The authorities said the operations also led to 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 significant ISIS operatives globally.
The military noted that Al-Minuki played a major role in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning linked to ISIS operations targeting Nigeria and other regions.
Other terrorist leaders reportedly neutralised during the operations included Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP commander involved in 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.
The military high command said the d3ath of the commanders had significantly disrupted ISIS operational coordination and external attack networks.
It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, would sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist cells and restoring stability in the region.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing and neutralising all individuals and groups threatening national and regional security.