U.S. and Nigerian Forces Conduct Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria

The U.S. and Nigerian forces executed another strike targeting ISIS fighters in Nigeria, according to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). This action follows a recent operation that resulted in the death of a prominent ISIS leader. AFRICOM reported conducting additional strategic strikes against the militants on Monday, coordinated with the Nigerian government. Preliminary assessments are underway, and it’s reported that no U.S. or Nigerian personnel were injured during the operation.

The removal of these terrorists diminishes the group’s capacity to plan attacks that threaten the safety and security of the U.S. and our partners, AFRICOM stated.

These strikes occurred shortly after former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that U.S. and Nigerian forces had eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally. Trump stated that al-Minuki, who believed he could evade capture in Africa, was under observation and would no longer terrorize Africa or assist in plotting against Americans.

The strikes against ISIS militants in northeastern Nigeria were confirmed by AFRICOM on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth affirmed that U.S. forces, alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria, successfully targeted al-Minuki and other ISIS leaders. Hegseth elaborated that efforts to locate this top ISIS figure, known for targeting Christians in Nigeria, were persistent.

In a related development, the U.S. military executed ten strikes on more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria. This was in response to a December incident where U.S. troops faced an ambush. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed multiple strikes in Syria in February, emphasizing ongoing military pressure on remaining terrorist network elements.