U.S. Airstrike Kills Over 20 ISIS Fighters in Nigeria

On May 17, 2026, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in the death of over 20 ISIS fighters.

This operation was confirmed in a statement released on May 22, 2026, and was coordinated with the Nigerian government based on intelligence assessments. The airstrike targeted ISIS militants and was part of ongoing efforts to diminish the group's capacity to plan attacks against the United States and its allies.

The operation followed the previous elimination of an ISIS kingpin, Al Minuki, during a joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigeria and the U.S. AFRICOM stated that no U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed in the strike.

The operation was conducted in the general area of Metel, and the video footage of the strike was released to underscore the commitment to countering terrorism in the region. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and U.S.

President Donald Trump were mentioned in relation to the ongoing counterterrorism efforts.