The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the ongoing Nigeria-US joint operations, which began on May 17, 2026, have eliminated 175 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in the North East. The operations also resulted in the death of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a key figure in ISIS external operations responsible for financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians worldwide.
Senior Terrorist Leaders Eliminated
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated that al-Minuki's death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination, and external attack networks. Other eliminated terrorist figures include Abd-al Wahhab, ISWAP senior leader for attacks and propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki.
“As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield,” Uba said. He emphasized that the joint strikes reinforce the Armed Forces of Nigeria's consistent efforts to hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere in the country, assuring that operations will continue to destroy those threatening national and regional stability.
DHQ Denies Terrorist Base in South West
Meanwhile, the DHQ has debunked media reports suggesting that terrorist elements have established a permanent operational base in the South West geo-political zone, particularly following an attack and kidnapping at schools in Oyo State. Gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting some pupils.
The DHQ described the incident as an isolated criminal act that does not indicate any entrenched terrorist structure in the region. The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated, “Current intelligence assessments do not support the conclusion that any structured or permanent terrorist base exists within the forests or hinterlands of the South West region.” He noted that the Armed Forces had earlier conducted a comprehensive clearance operation of the Old Oyo National Park (OONP), effectively neutralizing the operational capacity of criminal elements in that corridor.
