From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced a breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East, revealing that joint operations conducted by Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have eliminated 175 ISIS fighters and crippled key terrorist infrastructure in the region.
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the coordinated air and ground offensives as a significant success in the sustained war against insurgency.
According to the DHQ, the operations, which commenced a few days ago, targeted strategic ISIS enclaves, logistics routes, and operational bases across parts of the North-East, destroying multiple terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment, and financial support structures.
Uba said the latest offensive also led to the elimination of several high-profile ISIS commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as one of the terrorist group’s most influential global operatives.
He noted that al-Minuki played a critical role in ISIS external operations, particularly in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and the planning of attacks targeting civilians.
“The elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki has severely disrupted the group’s command structure, operational coordination, and external attack networks,” the DHQ stated.
The military further disclosed that other senior terrorist figures neutralised during the operation include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior operative; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, described as a top media production operative for the terrorist group.
The DHQ said the latest achievements underscored the determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain pressure on terrorist organisations threatening national security and regional stability.
According to the military high command, collaboration with AFRICOM has continued to strengthen intelligence sharing, surveillance capabilities, and operational coordination, contributing significantly to recent successes recorded in counterinsurgency operations.
Uba reaffirmed that Nigerian troops, alongside international partners, would continue aggressive operations aimed at dismantling all terrorist cells operating within the country and the wider Lake Chad region.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, will continue to hunt down and destroy terrorists wherever they operate,” he said.
