The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says ongoing joint counter-terrorism operations between the Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have eliminated 175 ISIS fighters in the North-East.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Uba said the coordinated air and ground strikes, which commenced a few days ago had delivered a major blow to the terrorist group’s operational capacity.

He stated that the operations also led to the destruction of multiple ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment and financial networks sustaining their activities.

He added that several high-profile ISIS commanders were among those killed, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the group’s most significant global operatives.

“Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, including coordination of terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting civilians,” he said.

Mr Uba added that his elimination had severely disrupted the group’s command structure, operational coordination and external attack networks.

He said other key figures killed include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, a senior media production operative.

The defence spokesman said the successes further underscored the sustained efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in tracking and eliminating terrorist elements across the country.

He added that the joint operations would be sustained to dismantle terrorist networks threatening national and regional security.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, will continue to hunt down and destroy terrorists wherever they operate,” he noted.

(NAN)