By Desire Emmanuel
The Defence Headquarters on Tuesday, May 19, disclosed that its assessments after the US-Nigerian joint strikes indicated that 175 terrorists of the Islamic State were eliminated in their enclaves during the Monday’s strike.
There have been reports that about 20 terrorists were killed during the strike, but the Defence Headquarters claimed that its assessments showed that 175 terrorists were actually killed.
It will be recalled that on Sunday, President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social that US forces in collaboration with the Nigerian troops killed the second in command of the IS globally, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during an attack on his hideout in the Lake Chad basin area.
The Defence Headquarters on Tuesday issued a statement regarding the latest information, saying the joint strikes have resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations.
The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North East Nigeria.
“It will be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield.
“The joint strikes have resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations.
“The operations have also resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world.
“Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians around the world. His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks.
“Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, ISWAP senior member and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki.
“The joint strikes have further reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently done over the years – hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability.”
