Coordinated Military Action
Joint strikes conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces killed 175 Islamic State group militants in Nigeria's northeast, according to both militaries. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters confirmed the operation on Tuesday, stating that the U.S. military’s Africa Command, or AFRICOM, participated. The strikes targeted ISIL and the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province, known as ISWAP.
Targets and Impact
The joint operations destroyed checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and financing networks used by the groups. Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major-General Samaila Uba said assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated as of May 19. Uba added that these strikes reinforce the Armed Forces of Nigeria's commitment to hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.
High-Profile Casualties
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reported that Abu Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, was killed in a joint Nigeria-U.S. strike. Al-Minuki was described as ISIL’s second-in-command, and "several of his lieutenants" were also killed. The Nigerian Army said al-Minuki oversaw key ISIL operations in the Sahel and West African region.
Further Losses
The Nigerian military also reported the killing of Abd-al Wahhab, who coordinated attack planning and propaganda for ISWAP. Two senior ISWAP members, Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, were also killed.
U.S. Involvement
The U.S. sent troops to Nigeria in February, initially in an advisory and training capacity. AFRICOM confirmed the joint operation, stating that no U.S. or Nigerian troops were harmed. The head of AFRICOM said the operation demonstrated the capabilities its forces could bring in Africa.
Regional Context
ISIL has been pivoting towards Africa since experiencing setbacks in the Middle East. Africa accounted for 86 percent of the group’s global activity in the first three months of 2026, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data. Militant groups like Boko Haram and its ISIS splinter group operate across vast areas, and the crisis has killed thousands of people, according to the United Nations.
Political Reaction
Following al-Minuki’s death, President Tinubu thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his "leadership and unwavering support" in a social media post. Tinubu stated he looks forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.
The sources also report that Abd-al Wahhab was responsible for coordinating finance, attack planning, and logistics for ISWAP.