Nigeria, US kill 175 ISIS terrorists in joint airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters has announced a significant victory in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria's Northeast. In a joint operation with the United States Africa Command, 175 ISIS terrorists have been neutralized. This success is not just a number; it represents a substantial blow to the operational capacity of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

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It will be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield.

The coordinated strikes have systematically dismantled the terrorist infrastructure, destroying checkpoints, weapons caches, and logistical hubs. Crucially, the operation has eliminated key leadership figures, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a notorious operative responsible for coordinating global terrorist financing, recruitment, and attack planning. His death, along with other senior figures, severely disrupts the group's command structure and its ability to launch external attacks.

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The joint strikes have resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations.

This operation highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in combating the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. The Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with its international partners, remain resolute in their mission to eradicate groups that threaten national and regional security. The successful elimination of these terrorists sends a clear message that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for extremist elements.

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The operations have also resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world.