KEY POINTS

• Nigeria and the US say joint military strikes killed 175 ISIS-linked fighters in the northeast.
• The operation also eliminated senior ISWAP commanders and destroyed militant infrastructure.
• AFRICOM says Africa has become the global epicenter of terrorism amid rising insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa.

Nigeria’s military says a joint operation with the United States has killed at least 175 fighters linked to the Islamic State, ISWAP, group in recent days, marking one of the most significant coordinated offensives against insurgents in the country’s northeast in recent years.

According to Nigerian military authorities, the operation targeted fighters operating under the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, an ISIS-affiliated extremist group active across parts of Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

The military said the strikes destroyed militant weapons, checkpoints, logistics hubs, and financial networks used to coordinate attacks.

The latest operation comes shortly after Nigerian forces announced the killing of Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, described as the deputy leader of ISWAP.

Military spokesperson Samaila Uba also confirmed the death of another senior commander identified as Abd-al Wahhab, who allegedly coordinated financing, logistics, and attack planning for the group.

Security officials described the killings as a major breakthrough in efforts to weaken the insurgents’ operational structure after more than a decade of violent conflict in the region.

US Expands Security Role in Nigeria

The United States deployed troops to Nigeria earlier in 2026 in what was initially described as an advisory and training mission. However, the latest offensive signals deeper operational cooperation between both countries.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed its involvement in the operation and stated that no American or Nigerian personnel were injured during the strikes.

AFRICOM commander, General Dagvin Anderson, praised Nigerian forces for providing intelligence and operational support that made the mission successful.

He stressed that Nigeria has become a key security partner in efforts to combat terrorism across Africa.

Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, driven by Boko Haram and ISWAP, has killed thousands of people and displaced millions over the years, according to the United Nations.

In addition to terrorist attacks, many communities in northern Nigeria continue to face kidnappings, banditry, and armed violence that have disrupted livelihoods and strained humanitarian efforts.

Security analysts say continued collaboration between Nigeria and international allies could play a significant role in reducing the operational strength of extremist groups in the region.