Esther Oseyiomon
Nigeria and the United States have intensified coordinated counterterrorism operations in the North-East with fresh airstrikes targeting ISIS enclaves days after the elimination of notorious terrorist commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
The renewed offensive, carried out on May 17, 2026, forms part of an expanding joint military campaign aimed at dismantling ISIS and ISWAP networks operating across the Lake Chad region and preventing further attacks on civilian communities and security formations.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which confirmed the operation on Monday, said the strikes were conducted in close coordination with the Nigerian government and security forces after intelligence reports identified fresh movements and convergence of ISIS fighters in parts of North-East Nigeria.
According to AFRICOM, the operation targeted strategic terrorist locations believed to be serving as operational hubs, transit routes and hideouts for insurgents regrouping after recent military losses.
“On May 17, 2026, U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, conducted additional kinetic strikes against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria,” the command disclosed in an official statement.
AFRICOM noted that intelligence gathered before the strikes confirmed the presence of terrorist elements within the targeted locations, adding that the operation was successfully executed without casualties among Nigerian or American personnel.
“The removal of these terrorists diminishes the group’s capacity to plan attacks that threaten the safety and security of the U.S. and our partners,” the statement added.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting partner nations through intelligence-sharing, precision strike capabilities and joint military cooperation aimed at degrading extremist organisations across Africa.
Providing further details on the operation, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters said the latest strikes were concentrated around the general area of Metele in Borno State, following surveillance reports indicating renewed migration and regrouping of ISIS and ISWAP fighters.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that multiple coordinated air interdiction missions were launched against the terrorists, resulting in significant casualties among the insurgents.
“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters,” he stated.
According to him, the ongoing operations are part of sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and allied partners to destroy terrorist infrastructure, disrupt logistics networks and deny insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.
Military sources said the fresh bombardments followed the recent neutralisation of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, regarded as one of ISIS’ most influential commanders in West Africa and a key figure in coordinating attacks across the Lake Chad Basin.
Last Friday, United States President Donald Trump publicly announced that American forces, working alongside Nigerian troops, had successfully eliminated the insurgent leader during a targeted operation.
Al-Minuki, 44, was reportedly born in Mainok, Borno State, and had remained on the radar of international counterterrorism agencies for years due to his alleged involvement in planning and coordinating terrorist activities in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The United States government officially designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on June 8, 2023, citing his role in extremist operations linked to ISIS in West Africa.
President Bola Tinubu had also welcomed the successful operation, commending both Nigerian security forces and the United States for what he described as a major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism.
Security analysts say the latest strikes reflect deepening military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States at a time when insurgent groups continue attempts to regroup despite sustained military pressure.
They noted that the elimination of high-profile commanders combined with precision airstrikes could significantly weaken ISIS operational capabilities in the region, particularly in areas around the Lake Chad corridor where terrorists have maintained mobility and supply routes.
The latest development comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI to sustain offensive operations against terrorist strongholds, recover occupied territories and stabilise communities affected by over a decade of insurgency.
Military authorities insist that ongoing coordinated operations will continue until terrorist networks are completely dismantled and peace restored across the North-East region.