NIGERIA-UNITED STATES JOINT STRIKES ELIMINATE 175 ISIS TERRORISTS, DESTROY WEAPON CACHE
ABUJA, NIGERIA – MAY 20, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that recent joint military strikes carried out by Nigerian and United States forces have eliminated 175 ISIS terrorists, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and three other top commanders.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said battle damage assessment from the coordinated operations confirmed the successful neutralisation of several senior ISIS operatives.
According to the statement, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally, was among those killed during the strikes.
Other terrorist figures reportedly eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and disseminating propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a prominent ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior member of the group’s media production team.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the joint operations also destroyed multiple ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment, and financial networks used by the terrorists.
The military described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at dismantling insurgent structures and restoring security in affected regions.
It added that security forces remain committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and preventing them from regrouping.
