No fewer than 175 ISIS terrorists were neutralised in ongoing counterterrorism operations involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and the United States Africa Command in North East Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Tuesday.

This came days after the elimination of the international terrorist organisation’s top commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, with a disruptive effect on the terrorists’ networks.

A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Samaila Uba, read in part: “The joint strikes have resulted in the destruction of ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations.

“The operations have also resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world.

Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians around the world.

“His death severely disrupts ISIS command, operational coordination and external attack networks.

Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, ISWAP senior member and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki.

The joint strikes have further reinforced what the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently done over the years – hunt down and kill terrorists anywhere they are in Nigeria.

“The joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability”.