Joint US–Nigeria airstrikes kill 175 ISIS fighters in Northeast Nigeria – DHQ

Nigeria and the United States have confirmed that coordinated airstrikes in Nigeria’s northeast have killed about 175 Islamic State fighters, in one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in the region in recent months.

The Nigerian military said in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, that the operations delivered a “devastating blow” to terrorist networks operating in the area, with multiple strategic targets destroyed.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) also confirmed the casualty figure, noting that the joint mission was carried out in collaboration with Nigerian forces.

AFRICOM commander, Dagvin Anderson, told a Congressional hearing in Washington that Nigeria played a key role in intelligence gathering and operational support that made the strikes possible.

He said Nigerian forces had been “instrumental” in developing targets and supporting mission execution over the past several months.

Among those killed was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a top Islamic State leader and reportedly the group’s most active global operative, according to military sources.

The Nigerian government and AFRICOM said al-Minuki oversaw global operations including propaganda, financial coordination, and the development of weapons, explosives and drone systems for the group.

Following the operation, President Bola Tinubu praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as his “leadership and unwavering support,” adding that Nigeria looked forward to further coordinated action against terrorist hideouts.

Military officials also confirmed the deaths of several other senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders, including figures responsible for attacks, propaganda and media operations.

The renewed offensive comes amid increased attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP across parts of the North-East, targeting civilians, security forces and infrastructure.

Authorities say the joint operations mark a major escalation in efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the region.