U.S.-Nigeria Carry Out Additional Coordinated Strikes Against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria

NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA — U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, conducted additional strikes against ISIS militants on May 18. U.S. Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants at a fighter camp.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters also confirmed additional airstrikes in the general area of Metele, resulting in more than 20 ISIS and ISWAP fighters being killed.

Nigerian authorities stated the ongoing operations form part of sustained efforts to disrupt networks and deny safe havens.

What to Watch

• AFRICOM and Defence Headquarters Nigeria releases for updated battle damage assessments or further strike announcements — monitor U.S. and official Nigerian military channels.

• Any additional named leader identifications or infrastructure effects from ongoing North East Nigeria operations.

• Nigerian official clarification on total figures if assessments are revised.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, May 19: “On May 18, 2026, U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, conducted additional kinetic strikes against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria. Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed. 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. AFRICOM remains committed to leveraging specialized U.S. capabilities in support of our partners to defeat shared security threats.”

• U.S. Africa Command, May 19: “On May 18, #AFRICOM, conducted counter terrorism efforts in coordination with Nigeria against an ISIS fighter camp in NE Nigeria. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed. Full press release: https://www.africom.mil/pressrelease/36581”

• Defence Headquarters Nigeria, May 19: “UPDATE ON NIGERIA- UNITED STATES JOINT STRIKES ON ISIS: FORCES DELIVER DEVASTATING BLOW, ELIMINATE 175 TERRORISTS. The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce major successes in continuing counterterrorism operations in close coordination with United States Africa Command against ISIS terrorists in North East Nigeria. It will be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield. The joint strikes have resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations. The operations have also resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world. Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians around the world. His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks. Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, ISWAP senior member and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki. The joint strikes have further reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently done over the years - hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria. The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability. SAMAILA UBA, Major General, Director Defence Information, 19 May 2026”.

• Defence Headquarters Nigeria, May 18: “PRESS RELEASE. COORDINATED STRIKES AND TARGETING OF ISIS TERRORISTS CONTINUE. The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across the North East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele. Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters. The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria. SAMAILA UBA, Major General, Director, Defence Information, 18 May 2026”.