Nigerian forces, working in coordination with the United States military, have killed 175 Islamic State (ISIS)-linked militants, including several senior commanders, in a series of joint air and ground operations in northeastern Nigeria, according to the country’s Defense Headquarters.
In a statement on May 19, 2026, the Defence Headquarters said the operations, conducted alongside U.S. Africa Command (United States Africa Command), targeted fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) across Borno State, the long-standing epicenter of the insurgency. The strikes also destroyed weapons depots, checkpoints, and financial networks used by the group.
The military said the operations intensified over several days and followed a major joint raid that killed Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described by officials as a senior ISIS figure and key coordinator of operations across West Africa. U.S. President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu both announced his death earlier in May, calling it a significant blow to the group’s leadership structure.
Subsequent airstrikes on May 17 and 18 reportedly hit additional militant positions in Borno State, further degrading ISWAP’s operational capabilities. Nigerian military spokesperson Major-General Samaila Uba described the overall outcome as a “devastating blow” to the group. No casualties were reported among Nigerian or U.S. forces involved in the operations.
ISWAP, a splinter faction that pledged allegiance to ISIS, remains the most active jihadist group in northeastern Nigeria, carrying out frequent attacks on military bases, civilians, and infrastructure, while sustaining itself through taxation, extortion, and control of rural territory around the Lake Chad basin.
Nigeria has faced an Islamist insurgency for more than 15 years, primarily driven by Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have killed thousands and displaced millions across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
The latest joint operations reflect an expanded counterterrorism partnership between Abuja and Washington, including intelligence sharing, drone surveillance, and special operations support. While officials have hailed the strikes as a tactical success, both ISIS-linked and Boko Haram factions have repeatedly shown resilience despite leadership losses.
