The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says ongoing joint counterterrorism operations between Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command have dealt a major blow to ISIS terrorists operating in North-East Nigeria, with 175 fighters reportedly killed so far.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the coordinated strikes, which began a few days ago, have also destroyed terrorist checkpoints, weapons storage facilities, logistics hubs, military equipment and financial networks used by the insurgents.

According to the DHQ, the operations led to the elimination of several senior ISIS and ISWAP commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.

The military said al-Minuki played a critical role in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigeria and other countries.

His death, according to the statement, has significantly disrupted ISIS command structures, operational coordination and external attack networks.

The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the killing of other senior terrorist figures, including Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander allegedly responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP member, and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, said to be the group’s media production manager and a close associate of al-Minuki.

The DHQ noted that the latest operation reinforces the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to tracking and eliminating terrorists across the country.

“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” the statement added.

The Nigerian military has in recent months intensified collaboration with international partners as part of efforts to curb insurgency and restore stability in the North-East region.