Nigeria, U.S. Strike ISIL Fighters

Nigerian forces, in coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), reported the elimination of 175 ISIL fighters in Nigeria's northeast by May 19, 2026. These joint strikes targeted checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment, and financing networks utilized by ISIL and its affiliate, ISIL West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The operations also resulted in the deaths of several senior ISIL and ISWAP commanders, including Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIL's second-in-command in the region, and Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP coordinator for attack planning and propaganda.

The joint military actions follow a period where ISIL has increased its focus on Africa, with the continent accounting for 86 percent of the group's global activity in the first quarter of 2026. The United States had previously deployed troops to Nigeria in February 2026, primarily in an advisory and training capacity. The recent operations indicate an expanded U.S. involvement in direct military engagements against ISIL in the region.

These coordinated efforts aim to degrade ISIL's operational capabilities and disrupt its regional network. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters emphasized that these strikes reinforce ongoing efforts to counter terrorism within Nigeria. The increased U.S. military engagement signals a strategic response to the growing presence and activities of ISIL affiliates across West Africa.