Nigeria-US Joint Military Operations Eliminate Over 175 Terrorists in North-East

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that joint counterterrorism operations conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have resulted in the elimination of more than 175 Islamic State-linked terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the coordinated military campaign targeted terrorist strongholds and operational networks across the insurgency-ravaged region. The operations combined precision airstrikes, intelligence gathering, and ground offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and disrupting their activities.

Uba disclosed that military assessments conducted as of May 19 indicated that at least 175 terrorists had been killed during the ongoing offensive. The operation also led to the destruction of several terrorist facilities, including weapons storage locations, logistical hubs, checkpoints, and financial support networks used to sustain insurgent activities.

The Defence Headquarters described the operation as one of the most significant recent successes in the fight against terrorism in the North-East, where security forces have continued to battle insurgent groups linked to the Islamic State and other extremist organizations.

In a related development, a high-profile joint operation involving Nigerian forces and AFRICOM led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified by authorities as a senior Islamic State leader. The operation was carried out in Borno State and was described by both Nigerian and U.S. officials as a major milestone in international counterterrorism cooperation.

Military authorities emphasized that the offensive remains ongoing and forms part of broader efforts to restore security and stability in the North-East. Despite recent gains, security challenges persist in the region, with insurgent groups continuing to launch sporadic attacks on military formations and civilian communities.

The Nigerian military reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups while strengthening partnerships with international allies to combat insurgency and protect affected communities across the country.