Wednesday May 20, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

By Idorenyin UMOREN
Private Investigator and Security Evaluator

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, DHQ, says coordinated counterterrorism operations conducted with the United States Africa Command have resulted in the killing of 175 ISIS fighters in Nigeria’s North-East.

The update was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who said the joint campaign has continued to record major operational gains.

According to the military, the strikes, which began a few days earlier, have not only inflicted heavy casualties on terrorist fighters but also dismantled key operational structures.

“It will be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists 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,” the statement read.

The DHQ said Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a central figure in ISIS external operations, with responsibilities spanning recruitment, financing, logistics coordination and the planning of attacks targeting Nigeria and other countries.

It added that his death has significantly weakened the group’s leadership structure and disrupted its wider operational reach.

“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 of Al-Minuki,” the statement added.

The military said the operation reflects ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to degrade terrorist capabilities and secure both national and regional stability.

It further stated that the campaign will continue, with sustained targeting of remaining cells and support networks.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters had also announced that more than 20 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province were killed in separate airstrikes carried out in the North-East.