Nigeria, in collaboration with the United States, has carried out fresh military airstrikes targeting Islamic State-affiliated militants in northeast Nigeria, resulting in the reported death of more than 20 fighters, according to military sources.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strikes were conducted on Sunday as part of ongoing coordinated operations against ISIS-linked groups in the region. The Nigerian military also confirmed the operation, stating that at least 20 Islamic State fighters were eliminated.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters said the strikes followed intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist elements across the northeast. It added that multiple air operations were carried out against identified targets.
Authorities said no Nigerian or U.S. forces sustained casualties during the mission.
This latest operation comes just days after a joint Nigeria–U.S. raid reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior Islamic State leader described as the group’s second-in-command globally and a key figure in its financial, media, and weapons operations.
Military officials say the recent strikes are part of a broader escalation of coordinated efforts targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other jihadist factions operating in the region.
Nigeria has faced a prolonged insurgency involving groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, particularly in the northeast, where attacks on civilians, military bases, and rural communities have persisted for over a decade.
Security analysts have also warned of potential retaliatory attacks following the killing of high-ranking militant leaders, as extremist groups continue to operate across the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas.
