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Nigerian and United States forces have eliminated 175 Islamic State terrorists in the joint strikes in northeastern Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters has announced.
The operations, conducted in close coordination with the United States Africa Command, also resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks, according to a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, on Tuesday.
“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,” Uba said.
The operations resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the DHQ as “one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world.”
PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE ON NIGERIA- UNITED STATES JOINT STRIKES ON ISIS: FORCES DELIVER DEVASTATING BLOW, ELIMINATE 175 TERRORISTS
The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with United States Africa… pic.twitter.com/vxp4XSzRPQ
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DHQNigeria) May 19, 2026
“Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians around the world. His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” Uba said.
Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al-Wahhab, an ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, an ISWAP senior member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, an ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki, he added.
The joint strikes have reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently done over the years , “hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria,” Uba said.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” he added.
PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE ON NIGERIA- UNITED STATES JOINT STRIKES ON ISIS: FORCES DELIVER DEVASTATING BLOW, ELIMINATE 175 TERRORISTS
The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with United States Africa… pic.twitter.com/vxp4XSzRPQ
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DHQNigeria) May 19, 2026
