Nigeria, US carry out fresh strikes on ISIS in northwest Nigeria

Nigeria and the United States have carried out fresh air and ground strikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, according to the US military.

The operation, conducted on Sunday, was confirmed in a statement by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which said intelligence guided the selection of targets.

“Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed,” AFRICOM stated.

The latest operation comes just two days after both countries announced a separate joint mission that reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally. He had also been under US sanctions since 2023.

Northern Nigeria continues to face persistent insecurity from jihadist groups linked to ISIS, as well as armed criminal gangs responsible for attacks on rural communities and mass kidnappings.

The situation has drawn international attention, including criticism from US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian government has rejected the claim, insisting that both Christians and Muslims are affected by ongoing violence.

Authorities say joint operations with international partners are part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist networks and restore stability in affected regions.