Nigerian, US Troops Kill 175 ISIS Terrorists In North-East Operation

Nigerian, US Troops Kill 175 ISIS Terrorists In North-East Operation
Military says several terrorist commanders were also neutralised
DHQ claims operation destroyed weapons, logistics and financial networks

No fewer than 175 ISIS terrorists have been killed during a renewed counterterrorism operation carried out jointly by Nigerian troops and United States forces in the North-East region of the country.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.

According to the military high command, the latest operational assessment as of May 19, 2026, confirmed that 175 ISIS fighters had been eliminated through coordinated ground offensives and aerial bombardments targeting terrorist strongholds across the region.

The DHQ stated that the operation also led to the destruction of several terrorist checkpoints, weapons storage facilities, logistics bases, military equipment and financial networks allegedly used to sustain insurgent activities.

The military further revealed that a number of high-profile terrorist commanders were among those killed during the operation, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.

“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.

“It will 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 statement read.

The DHQ explained that al-Minuki played a strategic role in coordinating ISIS external operations, including terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting civilians in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

According to the military, his death is expected to significantly disrupt ISIS operational coordination, command structure and external attack networks.

Nigerian, US Troops Kill 175 ISIS Terrorists In Fresh Counterterrorism Operation

Other senior terrorist figures reportedly killed during the operation include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP commander involved in attack coordination and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, described as a senior ISWAP operative; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a media production coordinator and close associate of al-Minuki.