DHQ: 175 ISIS fighters killed in joint Nigeria-US counterterrorism operations

May 20, 2026 By Chisom Moghalu

THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says at least 175 ISIS fighters have been killed in North-East Nigeria following a series of joint counterterrorism operations conducted by Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command (US-AFRICOM).

In a statement released on Tuesday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Sumaila Uba, said the operations commenced a few days ago and were carried out in collaboration with US forces targeting ISIS elements operating in the region.

According to the DHQ, battlefield assessments conducted as of May 19, 2026, confirmed that 175 ISIS terrorists were neutralised during the coordinated assaults.

Uba stated that the operations led to the destruction of several terrorist assets, including checkpoints, weapons storage facilities, logistics bases, military hardware and financial networks used to fund insurgent activities.

The military spokesperson also disclosed that a number of top ISIS commanders were killed, among them Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the group’s most prominent global operatives.

He said al-Minuki was heavily involved in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning directed at Nigerians and other civilians worldwide, adding that his death had significantly weakened ISIS operational command and external attack networks.

Other insurgent leaders reportedly killed during the operations include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander linked to attack coordination and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, identified as a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a leading member of the group’s media production unit and close ally of al-Minuki.

Uba noted that the latest offensive reflects the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and eliminate threats to national security.

He added that joint military operations would continue against insurgents and other groups undermining peace and stability in Nigeria and the wider region.