Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says joint counterterrorism airstrikes carried out with the United States Africa Command have killed 175 ISIS terrorists in the North-East.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the coordinated operations have dealt a major blow to ISIS and its affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to the military, the strikes, which began a few days ago, have destroyed terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain insurgent activities.
The DHQ also confirmed the killing of several high-profile terrorist leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.
Uba said al-Minuki was central to ISIS external operations, overseeing terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians around the world.
“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” the statement said.
Other senior figures reportedly eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production manager and close associate of al-Minuki.
The Defence Headquarters said the success of the joint strikes underscores the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to tracking and eliminating terrorists wherever they operate within the country.
It added that the operations would continue until all individuals threatening Nigeria’s security and regional stability are neutralised.
