The United States says about 200 ISIS-linked militants have been killed in coordinated operations with Nigeria, targeting terrorist bases and infrastructure in the northeast
U.S. Says 200 ISIS-Linked Militants Killed in Joint Operations With Nigeria
The United States has announced that about 200 militants linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) have been killed in coordinated military operations conducted alongside Nigerian forces, in what officials describe as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region.
According to the U.S. Africa Command, the joint operations also led to the destruction of several militant strongholds, including checkpoints and logistical hubs used to coordinate and sustain extremist activities.
Rebecca Hayes, Director of Public Affairs for the command, said the success of the missions was the result of months of detailed planning and sustained intelligence sharing between U.S. and Nigerian security forces.
The operations, which began earlier this year at the invitation of the Nigerian government, have largely focused on the country’s northeast, a region long regarded as a key operational base for extremist groups. In May, officials reportedly neutralised one of the group’s senior leaders in Nigeria during a targeted strike.
Despite the reported gains, security officials cautioned that the threat of insurgency remains active and evolving. Nigeria continues to face persistent attacks, kidnappings, and the gradual spread of militant activity into new areas, underscoring the fragility of the security situation.
The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria noted that sustained military pressure has forced terrorist groups to abandon some of their traditional strongholds, prompting a shift in their operational patterns and movement into other regions.
The United States reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign, stating that its military involvement will continue for as long as necessary to degrade extremist networks. However, U.S. officials clarified that there are currently no plans to establish a permanent military base in Nigeria.
The development highlights the continued international cooperation in West Africa’s fight against insurgency, even as authorities warn that long-term stability will depend on sustained pressure, intelligence coordination and regional security reforms.
