Nigeria says joint US strikes kill 175 IS members

At least 175 members of the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in a joint air and ground operation conducted by Nigerian and US forces over the past three days, Nigeria’s military said on Tuesday (May 19).

According to a statement by Nigerian Defence spokesperson Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the coordinated operations were carried out between May 16 and May 19 across multiple locations in northern Nigeria.

He said the joint force “neutralised 175 IS militants” during the period, while also destroying several checkpoints, weapons depots and logistics bases linked to the group.

The operation targeted fighters of Islamic State, which has maintained an active presence in Africa through its West Africa affiliate.

Nigeria has faced prolonged insurgencies involving multiple armed groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, both of which have carried out attacks, kidnappings and armed raids across the region.

Military officials said the latest offensive is part of an expanded counterinsurgency effort supported by the United States, which earlier deployed around 100 military personnel to assist with training and operational coordination.

Authorities also claimed that Abu Bilal al-Munuki, described as a senior IS figure, was killed on May 16, along with several other top commanders in subsequent strikes between May 17 and May 19.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters said operations will continue until insurgent networks are fully dismantled, signaling sustained military pressure on militant groups operating in the region.