Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says joint counterterrorism airstrikes conducted alongside the United States Africa Command have killed 175 ISIS fighters in Nigeria’s North-East region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the coordinated operations dealt a significant blow to ISIS and its affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to the military, the airstrikes, launched days ago, destroyed terrorist checkpoints, weapons stockpiles, logistics bases, military assets and financial networks used to support insurgency operations.
The DHQ also confirmed the deaths of several top terrorist commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of ISIS’ most prominent global operatives.
Uba stated that al-Minuki played a major role in ISIS external operations, supervising terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians across the world.
“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” the statement noted.
Other senior terrorists reportedly killed include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP commander linked to attack coordination and propaganda distribution; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP figure; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a top media production manager and close ally of al-Minuki.
The Defence Headquarters said the successful joint operation highlights the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to tracking down and eliminating terrorists operating within the country.
It added that military operations would continue until all threats to Nigeria’s security and regional stability are completely neutralised.
.... DHQ Confirms Nigerian Military, US Forces Kill 175 ISIS Terrorists in Joint Airstrikes ..... Politics Nigeria.