The United States military says Nigeria and the U.S. forces have carried out fresh coordinated airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in northeast Nigeria, marking a renewed escalation in joint counterterrorism operations in the region.
The United States Africa Command confirmed in a statement on Monday that the strikes were conducted on Sunday against identified ISIS targets, with intelligence indicating militant presence at the locations.
According to Africom, the strikes were based on verified intelligence confirming the presence of ISIS operatives in the area.
The command added that “complete assessments are ongoing” and confirmed that no Nigerian or U.S. forces were harmed during the operation.
Follow-Up to High-Profile ISIS Leadership Kill
The latest airstrikes come just two days after Nigeria and the United States announced a joint operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, an ISIS leader described as the group’s second-in-command globally and a figure under U.S. sanctions since 2023.
Security officials say the back-to-back operations reflect increased coordination between both countries in targeting high-value terrorist leadership in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin axis.
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Northern Nigeria continues to grapple with overlapping security crises, including jihadist attacks linked to ISIS-affiliated groups and widespread violence from armed criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings and rural assaults.
The insecurity in Nigeria has drawn international attention, including criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians were being persecuted in the country.
However, the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected this characterization, insisting that both Christians and Muslims are equally affected by ongoing violence across affected regions.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.