Amanze Chinonye
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that ongoing joint counterterrorism operations conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have killed 175 ISIS-linked terrorists in North-East Nigeria, Prime Business Africa reports.
In an operational update issued on Monday and signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the military said the coordinated air and ground strikes, which commenced several days ago, were part of intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the region.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations in collaboration with international partners to dismantle terrorist cells, disrupt insurgent logistics and restore stability across affected communities.
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According to the DHQ, the operations targeted terrorist hideouts, checkpoints, weapons storage facilities, logistics hubs, military equipment and financial networks sustaining insurgent activities within the North-East.
The military disclosed that the operations also resulted in the elimination of several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally.
The Defence Headquarters stated that Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians across multiple regions.
“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks,” the military said.
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Other terrorist figures reportedly killed during the operations included Abd-al Wahhab, identified as an ISWAP senior commander responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda distribution; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP operative; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, described as a senior member of ISWAP’s media production network and a close associate of Al-Minuki.
The Defence Headquarters said the latest operations represented another major milestone in the military’s sustained campaign against terrorism in the North-East and across the Lake Chad Basin.
According to the military, the joint strikes have further reinforced the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to tracking and eliminating terrorist elements operating within the country.
“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability,” the statement added.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
