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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The military high command said the d3ath of the commanders had significantly disrupted ISIS operational coordination and external attack networks.
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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.
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The military reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing and neutralising all individuals and groups threatening national and regional security.
