US, Nigeria launch fresh joint airstrikes on ISIS in Northeast Nigeria

Nigeria and the United States have carried out fresh coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northeast Nigeria, the US military has confirmed.

The United States Africa Command (Africom) said in a statement on Monday that the strikes were conducted on Sunday, following intelligence that identified the targeted locations as ISIS operational hideouts.

“Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed,” Africom stated.

The latest operation comes just two days after both countries announced a separate joint mission that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, an ISIS leader described as the group’s second-in-command globally and who had been under US sanctions since 2023.

Northern Nigeria has continued to face sustained security threats from jihadist groups linked to ISIS, as well as armed criminal gangs responsible for village attacks and mass kidnappings.

The insecurity has drawn international attention, including criticism from US President Donald Trump, who alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected the claim, insisting that victims of insecurity cut across religious lines, with both Christians and Muslims affected.

Authorities say the renewed joint operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability in affected regions.