Nigeria and U.S. Forces Report 175 ISIS/ISWAP Terrorists Killed in Joint Air Interdictions, DHQ Says

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced new progress in the joint counter‑terrorism campaign carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Africa Command against ISIS militants in North‑East Nigeria. According to DHQ, 175 terrorists have been eliminated to date.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, said the coordinated airstrikes that began a few days ago have produced significant operational results across several terrorist enclaves in the region.

Assessments conducted as of 19 May 2026 confirmed that 175 ISIS fighters had been neutralised during the operations.

DHQ also reported that the joint airstrikes destroyed ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks that sustain terrorist activities.

“The operations further resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS commanders, including Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally,” General Uba said.

According to the statement, al‑Minuki played a major role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning against Nigerians and civilians worldwide. His death, the military noted, dealt a major blow to ISIS command structures, operational coordination and external attack networks.

Other terrorist figures reportedly killed during the strikes include Abd‑al Wahhab, an ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda; Abu Musa al‑Mangawi, a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al‑Muthanna al‑Muhajir, a senior member of the ISWAP media production team and close associate of al‑Minuki.

The Defence Headquarters said the latest operation demonstrates the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s sustained commitment to tracking down and eliminating terrorists wherever they operate within the country.

It added that the joint operations will continue until all individuals and groups threatening national security and regional stability are dismantled.