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175 ISIS Terrorists, Top Commanders Killed in 7 Days – DHQ Confirms

Published

5 months ago

May 20, 2026

Several Bandits Feared Killed as Security Forces Repel Attack in Sokoto

175 ISIS Terrorists, Top Commanders Killed in 7 Days – DHQ Confirms

The Defence Headquarters has officially confirmed that over 175 Islamic State terrorists have been killed in a series of joint military operations conducted in collaboration with the United States Africa Command over a period of seven days. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military high command described the coordinated air and ground strikes as a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region. The joint operations, which began last week following intelligence reports linking ISIS and ISWAP fighters to planned attacks in parts of North-East Nigeria, also resulted in the elimination of three top terrorist commanders. According to Major General Uba, the strikes successfully destroyed multiple ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, military equipment, and financial networks used to sustain terrorist operations in the region.

Major General Uba stated, “It will be recalled that the joint strikes started a few days ago. As of 19 May 2026, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS terrorists have been eliminated from the battlefield. 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 Defence Headquarters noted that the success of the operation was made possible through a newly established counter-terrorism and intelligence-sharing partnership between Nigeria and the United States, a collaboration that has significantly enhanced the capacity of Nigerian forces to identify, track, and neutralize high-value terrorist targets.

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Major General Uba identified the deceased commanders as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki (ISIS global operations director), Abd-al Wahhab (ISWAP senior leader), and Abu Musa al-Mangawi (ISWAP senior member). A fourth terrorist, Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir (ISWAP senior media production manager and close confidant of al-Minuki), was also killed during the operations. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was described by the Nigerian military and United States officials as one of the most significant ISIS operatives in the world and the group’s second-in-command globally. According to intelligence assessments, al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, including terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians around the world.

United States President Donald Trump, announcing the killing on his Truth Social platform, called al-Minuki “the most active terrorist in the world.” Trump praised the joint operation, stating: “At my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. He thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the killing, saying: “Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.” Tinubu thanked Trump for his “leadership and unwavering support in this effort” and expressed hope for “more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.” Major General Uba stated that the elimination of these commanders had significantly disrupted command structures, operational coordination, and external attack networks operating across insurgent camps in northeastern Nigeria and beyond.

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According to military sources, the operation that killed al-Minuki was “a meticulously planned and highly complex precision air-land operation” carried out on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from just after midnight through 4:00 am. The raid targeted al-Minuki’s “concealed and fortified enclave” at a remote village in Borno State, the epicentre of a 17-year armed insurgency in northeastern Nigeria. The operation reportedly involved US Special Operations MQ-9 drones, AC-130 gunships, and elements of the US Navy’s SEAL Team 6, working in close coordination with Nigerian ground forces. No soldiers or assets were reported lost during the operation. General Dagvin Anderson, head of the United States Africa Command, told a congressional hearing on May 19 that Nigeria played a crucial role in the coordinated operation. “Nigeria has played a crucial role over the past few months, helping us identify targets, providing intelligence support, and offering the necessary assistance to carry out the operation,” General Anderson said. The Nigerian military sees al-Minuki’s death as removing a “critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world.”

Previously a senior member of Boko Haram, which has been waging an Islamist insurgency in the region since 2009, al-Minuki was linked to the 2018 Dapchi kidnapping of more than 100 schoolgirls in northeastern Nigeria’s Yobe State. Between March 2015 and early 2016, he also facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya to support ISIS operations in North Africa. Under United States sanctions since 2023, al-Minuki oversaw ISIS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa, including attacks against “ethnic and religious minority communities,” according to the Nigerian military. His elimination comes as ISIS activity is increasingly concentrated in Africa, hitting a record high of 86 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 49 percent in all of 2024, according to a global conflict monitor ACLED report.

In a separate development, the Defence Headquarters dismissed reports alleging that terrorist groups had established operational bases in Nigeria’s South-West region. The clarification followed growing public concern over recent attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Among the 46 kidnapped victims was a Mathematics teacher at Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele identified as Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by his captors. A video allegedly released by the abductors on Sunday showed the teacher tied up before he was killed, triggering fresh fears over the safety of other victims still being held.

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Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing through his Special Adviser on Media, Suleimon Olanrewaju, on Monday. The governor also disclosed that security agencies had recorded some breakthroughs, with about six individuals arrested in connection with the abduction. According to Olanrewaju, the suspects are believed to be “informants or people running logistics for the terrorists,” while three additional individuals of interest were arrested by another security outfit within the state. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, described the abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State as “callous and reprehensible” and stated that ongoing military operations remain focused on securing the safe and unconditional release of all abducted victims.

Major General Onoja stated, “Current intelligence assessments do not support the conclusion that any structured or permanent terrorist base exists within the forests or hinterlands of the South West region.” Speaking on the heightened security architecture within the state, Onoja disclosed that troops deployed to the affected areas had established contact with the suspected kidnappers and were sustaining coordinated pursuit and rescue operations across forest corridors and other identified hideouts. The DHQ urged Nigerians, particularly residents of the South-West, to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing rescue missions and broader security operations.

The Defence Headquarters has made clear that these joint operations will continue. Major General Uba stated that “the joint operations will continue to hunt down and destroy those who threaten our nation and regional stability.” The Nigerian Air Force has already intensified its air operations under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, with sustained precision strikes targeting terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns region. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, has reaffirmed the Service’s unyielding resolve to dominate the battlespace, stressing that “operations will persist with increased intensity until all terrorist capabilities are dismantled and threats to national security fully neutralised.” Meanwhile, rescue operations continue for the remaining victims of the Oyo State school abduction, with security agencies maintaining coordinated pursuit across forest corridors and other identified hideouts. The DHQ has assured the public that no effort will be spared to secure the unconditional release of all abducted persons. The successful elimination of 175 ISIS fighters and several top commanders represents one of the most significant counter-terrorism victories in the region in recent years. As military officials continue to assess battle damage and exploit captured intelligence, the full strategic implications of these operations are still unfolding.

175 ISIS Terrorists, Top Commanders Killed in 7 Days – DHQ Confirms

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Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has told the Enugu State Police Command how he allegedly killed his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, after an argument involving allegations over HIV infection.

Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a video released by the command on Friday.

The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

He said the argument started after he told Ugwu that he could treat people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Emmanuel alleged that Ugwu then accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.

The suspect claimed Ugwu picked up a pestle and began hitting him, after which he said he took the object from her and struck her, causing her to collapse.

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Emmanuel further told the police that he subsequently used a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.

The police said the latest investigation revealed that the suspect’s account went beyond the initial allegation that he had used a pestle. According to the command, he also allegedly used a machete during the incident.

After the alleged killing, Emmanuel said he wrapped Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it into the toilet of the apartment. He said he then locked the toilet and the master bedroom before leaving.

The remains were later discovered after neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The neighbours forced their way inside and found the decomposing body.

Police had earlier said Emmanuel was apprehended by residents and was subsequently rescued from an angry mob before being re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the investigation continued. (Premium Times Nigeria)

During the police interview, Emmanuel also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung phone, saying he feared that it could be used to trace him. He said her iPhone had already been switched off after she complained that it was faulty.

The suspect said he first met Ugwu through Facebook in 2023 and that they resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed that he intended to marry her and had discussed the relationship with her mother.

Emmanuel also suggested that he was not fully aware of his actions at the time of the incident and appealed for forgiveness and mercy.

However, Ugwu’s family has disputed reports that she was killed simply because of an HIV-related disagreement, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and independent investigation.

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Her immediate elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, said members of the family were present during an interview involving Emmanuel and the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect’s accounts about the injuries and weapons allegedly used raised questions that the family wanted investigators to resolve.

According to the family, Emmanuel initially spoke about using a pestle but later mentioned a machete when questioned about injuries to Ugwu’s head and neck.

The family has called on the police, medical personnel and other relevant authorities to establish the actual cause of death, the nature of the injuries and what weapon or object caused them.

The family has also urged journalists and members of the public not to treat the alleged HIV dispute as an established motive until investigators have completed their work. (ThisDay.com.ng)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured Ugwu’s parents and siblings that justice would be served. The command said the victim’s family had been identified and interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commissioner has directed investigators to conclude the case and ensure that the suspect is charged to court after the investigation.

The police have also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their whereabouts when visiting or spending time with people they know.

The allegations against Emmanuel remain subject to investigation and possible court proceedings, while the circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death have yet to be fully established.

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

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Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

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Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

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Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

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Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.