ABUJA, Nigeria — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major successes in ongoing counterterrorism operations conducted in close coordination with the United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North-East Nigeria.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
According to the statement, the joint strikes commenced a few days ago and, as of May 19, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated.
The operations reportedly led to the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist activities.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the elimination of several senior ISIS commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.
Al-Minuki was said to have played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians across the world. His death is expected to significantly disrupt ISIS command structures, operational coordination and external attack networks.
Other terrorist figures reportedly eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda distribution; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior member of the group’s media production team and a close associate of al-Minuki.
The DHQ stated that the joint strikes further reinforce the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to tracking down and eliminating terrorists wherever they operate within the country.
It added that the joint operations would continue until all threats to Nigeria’s security and regional stability are neutralised.
