U.S., Nigerian Forces Launch New Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Northeast Nigeria

According to United States Africa Command, the latest strikes were carried out on Sunday in collaboration with the Nigerian government against Islamic State positions in northeast Nigeria.

AFRICOM confirmed on Monday that no U.S. or Nigerian personnel were harmed during the operation.

The latest offensive follows a major joint military operation conducted on Saturday that reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by U.S. officials as the second-in-command of Islamic State globally.

Donald Trump and Bola Ahmed Tinubu both confirmed the operation and described it as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.

President Tinubu said Nigerian security forces worked closely with the U.S. military in what he described as a “daring joint operation” that delivered a major blow to Islamic State fighters operating within the region.

The Nigerian president added that the operation reflects growing international cooperation aimed at restoring security and stability across parts of northeastern Nigeria affected by insurgency.

President Trump also praised the Nigerian government for its collaboration with the United States during the operation.

Trump, who has previously criticised Nigeria over security concerns involving attacks by Islamist militants, thanked Nigerian authorities for supporting the mission.

Northeastern Nigeria, particularly Borno State, has remained the epicentre of a prolonged insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province.

The conflict, which has lasted for about 17 years, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced more than two million people across the region.

Security analysts say the latest operations signal renewed pressure on terror networks operating in the Lake Chad Basin as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to regain control of affected communities and disrupt militant supply chains.

The joint airstrikes also highlight increasing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States amid rising concerns over regional instability, cross-border terrorism and extremist recruitment in West Africa.

Military experts believe the death of a senior Islamic State commander could temporarily disrupt the operational coordination of affiliated terror cells across parts of Africa and the Middle East.

However, analysts warn that sustained military pressure, intelligence sharing and humanitarian support will remain critical to preventing the regrouping of insurgent factions in northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.