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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said 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 disclosed this in a statement, said the coordinated operations had dealt a major blow to ISIS and its affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to him, 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.
Uba said the strikes, which began a few days ago, had 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 the United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North-East Nigeria.
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“It would be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of May 19, 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, an ISWAP senior member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant of 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 wherever they are in Nigeria.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability.”
