Defense and Security
U.S, Nigeria Crush ISIS Cell, Eliminate 175 Terrorists
By Christian Onota
The Defence Headquarters has announced monumental gain in ongoing counterterrorism operations conducted jointly by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists operating in North-East Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement released by Major General Samaila Uba, Director, Defence Information on Tuesday in Abuja
The statement said the joint military str!kes, which began a few days ago, have led to the elim!nation of 175 ISIS terrorists as of May 19, 2026.
Uba said the coordinated operations destroyed several terrorist checkpoints, weapons storage facilities, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to susta!n insvrgent activities in the region.
However, among those reportedly killed is Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most prominent ISIS operatives globally
The Defence Headquarters said al-Minuki played a critical role in ISIS external operations, overseeing terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians worldwide.
The statement noted that his death represents a major setback for ISIS command structures, operational coordination, and international attack networks.
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the elimination of other top terrorist figures, including Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, manager of the ISWAP media production team and a close associate of al-Minuki.
The Defence Headquarters added that the latest operation further reinforced the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to tracking and elim!nating terr+rists across the country.
”The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability” the statement added.