Joint counter-terrorism operations involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have resulted in the killing of 175 ISIS fighters in the North-East, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The military high command said the coordinated air and ground offensives, which began days ago, dealt a significant blow to the group’s operational structure and logistics network.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that the strikes also destroyed key terrorist infrastructure.
He noted that multiple ISIS checkpoints, weapons storage sites, logistics bases, equipment, and financial channels were wiped out during the operations.
Among those killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as a high-level operative with influence in the group’s global terror network.
Uba said the commander was deeply involved in financing, recruitment, logistics coordination, and planning of attacks targeting civilians across different regions.
His elimination, according to the DHQ, has significantly weakened ISIS operational coordination and disrupted its external attack capabilities.
Other top figures neutralised include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander linked to attack coordination and propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior member of the group; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, who handled media and propaganda production.
The defence spokesperson said the success underscores sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working with international partners, to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the country.
He added that the operations would continue in order to eliminate remaining cells and prevent regrouping by extremist elements.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, will continue to hunt down and destroy terrorists wherever they operate,” he stated.
