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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday said the ongoing joint counterterrorism airstrikes carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have killed 175 ISIS terrorists in the North-East.
The DHQ also confirmed the killing of several high-profile terrorist leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who made this known, said the coordinated operations have dealt a major blow to ISIS and its affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Al-Minuki was central to ISIS external operations, overseeing terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians around the world.
“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” the statement said.
Gen. Uba, in a statement, said the strikes, which began a few days ago, have destroyed terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain insurgent activities.
The statement read: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North East Nigeria.
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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 militants have been eliminated from the battlefield.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, ISWAP senior member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki.
“The joint strikes have further reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently done over the years – hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability.”
