The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian military have killed more than 200 terrorists in joint operations targeting Boko Haram and Daesh terrorists in northeastern Nigeria, the two sides said on Wednesday.
"AFRICOM, in continued coordination with Nigeria, conducted operations against Daesh fighters in NE Nigeria," AFRICOM said in a post on social media platform X. "The targeted operations eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including (Daesh leader) Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed."
Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesperson Samaila Mohammed Uba said the joint operations had significantly degraded terrorist networks in the region, with strikes targeting militant hideouts, logistics bases and operational infrastructure.
Uba confirmed that over 200 terrorists had been killed in the operations and noted that this partnership has also enhanced the Nigerian security forces’ capabilities in intelligence-driven operations, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Mass casualties
Nigeria has faced a prolonged terrorism in its northeast for over a decade, largely driven by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Daesh. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, particularly in states like Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
The expanded cooperation follows US diplomatic engagement with Nigeria over ongoing violence and comes as the US adopts a more assertive posture toward Daesh-linked groups across Africa.
The United States in January said it is increasing military equipment deliveries and intelligence sharing with Nigeria as Washington expands cooperation with African forces targeting Daesh-linked armed groups.
While both militaries have signaled interest in closer cooperation, tensions remain after President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of mass killings of Christians, a claim rejected by Nigerian authorities.
Nigeria is roughly evenly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south.
The US says its intelligence support would focus on supporting Nigerian air operations in the northwest and northeast Nigeria, where armed groups have been active for years.
