The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday announced what it described as a major breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism operations conducted jointly with the United States Africa Command against ISIS-linked terrorists in Northeast Nigeria.
According to the military, coordinated air and ground strikes carried out over the past few days have led to the elimination of 175 ISIS terrorists as of May 19, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ said the operations also destroyed terrorist checkpoints, weapons depots, logistics hubs, military hardware and financial networks sustaining insurgent activities in the region.
The military further disclosed that several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were among those killed during the operations.
Top on the list was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the DHQ as “one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world.”
The statement said al-Minuki played a critical role in coordinating ISIS external operations, including terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians in other countries.
“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” the military stated.
Other senior figures reportedly eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda operations; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, said to be the manager of the group’s media production team and a close associate of al-Minuki.
The DHQ said the latest offensive demonstrated the sustained determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the country.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” the statement added.
The renewed offensive comes amid intensified military operations across the Lake Chad region, where Nigerian troops and allied forces have continued efforts to weaken insurgent strongholds and restore security to affected communities.
