Massive jubilation as US, Nigeria joint military operations kill 200 ISIS terrorists, see details

The United States and Nigeria have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism following a series of joint military operations that reportedly led to the elimination of more than 200 ISIS-linked fighters in northeastern Nigeria.

According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the coordinated counterterrorism operations targeted terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, and operational bases used by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist elements operating in the region.

AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Rebecca Hayes, disclosed that the operations, conducted in collaboration with Nigerian security forces, successfully dismantled several terrorist networks and eliminated high-profile commanders.

In a statement released on its official X account, AFRICOM confirmed that the operations resulted in the death of over 200 terrorists, including notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

“AFRICOM, in continued coordination with Nigeria, conducted operations against ISIS fighters in northeast Nigeria. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed. The targeted operations eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki,” the statement read.

The Nigerian military also confirmed the success of the joint mission. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the partnership between the Defence Headquarters and AFRICOM has significantly boosted Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign through intelligence sharing, surveillance support, specialized training, and joint operational planning.

Speaking during an X Space discussion hosted by the Defence Headquarters and AFRICOM, Uba explained that the operation disrupted terrorist logistics networks, destroyed hideouts, and weakened insurgent activities across parts of the northeast.

According to him, the collaboration has improved the operational readiness of Nigerian troops and enhanced intelligence-driven military actions against insurgent groups.

“The partnership has strengthened the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialised training programmes, intelligence-fusion initiatives, joint planning engagements and professional military education,” Uba stated.

Security analysts believe the development represents one of the most significant successes recorded against ISIS-affiliated groups in the Lake Chad region in recent years.

The operation is expected to boost ongoing efforts by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government of Donald Trump to tackle terrorism and improve security across the region.

The northeast, particularly Borno State, has remained the epicentre of insurgent activities since the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009, with security forces continuing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability.