The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says 175 ISIS fighters have been killed in north-east Nigeria during recent counterterrorism operations jointly carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Sumaila Uba, director of defence information, said the operations commenced a few days ago and were conducted in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US-AFRICOM) against ISIS terrorists.
“As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield,” the statement read.
“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.”
Uba further disclosed that other top terrorist figures killed during the operations include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda distribution; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a key member of the ISWAP media production team and close associate of al-Minuki.
He said the operation reflects the continued commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to tracking and eliminating terrorists nationwide.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” Uba said.