In devastating blow, Nigeria-US joint strikes takes out 175 terrorists, key figures

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that ongoing joint counterterrorism operations between Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command have led to the elimination of 175 ISIS terrorists in North-East Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the coordinated strikes, which began a few days ago, had recorded significant successes against ISIS elements operating in the region.

According to the DHQ, the operations resulted in the destruction of terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain insurgent activities.

The military also disclosed that several senior ISIS and ISWAP commanders were killed during the strikes, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.

The statement added that al-Minuki played a major role in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians in other parts of the world.

“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” the statement noted.

Other terrorists reportedly eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, an ISWAP senior member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, said to be a senior media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.

The Defence Headquarters stated that the joint operations further reinforced the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to intensify efforts aimed at eliminating terrorist groups threatening national and regional security, adding that the operations would continue until such threats are neutralised.